What do you guys think of team members (i.e SA or managers) just call you up to discuss work whenever they like without asking whether you are available to talk?

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From the perspective of a director with a packed schedule, often running between meetings, calls, connecting flights, etc., and not always able to text (such as while driving), I will generally pick one communications medium per interaction, whichever is most appropriate in context. This might be text if standing at an airport gate with a bunch of competitors within earshot, it might be phone while driving or if I need to provide a lot of guidance on a task, etc. but I generally don't have time to text, wait for a response or "permission" to call, I only have time for one of them. Reachability during work hours is an expectation of staff, at least when not working on tasks preventing answering the phone, and is part of the reason firms cover phone usage expenses. Balance is, as with many other things in business, key here - you should push back on non-emergency calls during odd hours. But in the future, recognize that your clients and customers won't necessarily give you the option of dictating what way they get in touch with you. Not trying to be harsh, but I've seen cases where people never answered the phone and it hurt their reputation and demand for their time.

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Kinda annoying - but you make the decision to pick up the phone based on your own availability

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Set expectations , tell them your preferred mode of communication is email, call only if urgent and scheduled calls work best for you . There is nothing wrong in stating preferences , unless they know you are not busy and you are just shirking work.

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Ugh I hate that. Especially when it's detailed/complex stuff, I like to sort out my thoughts before talking about it.

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It's so annoying. People can at least ping or text before calling - they just assume that you are always available upon request.

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Don't answer if you aren't available

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I am a director, and when I call someone (junior, peer, senior, client) I generally ask whether I am reaching the person at a good time. I consider this to be common courtesy, and I appreciate it when others do that with me.

I try to answer my phone when I am not in a meeting, even if I can't stay on. I don't limit myself to answering only when I am available, nor do I assume someone is available when they answer my call.

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And, in answer to OP's post, I get annoyed when someone calls me and immediately launches into something involved without checking first to see if it's a good time. I try not to engage in that behavior when I am the caller.

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I absolutely agree about ensuring availability during work hours and I strive to provide it myself...however, I do try to start the call with I need X min...that way if we need to reschedule or plan we can, but the recipient knows I can generally keep it quick and are therefore more likely to pick up...if someone calls me and doesn't set an expectation...I do (e.g. I have 4 min before my mtg)...I have found its a good way to balance.

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Yeah - tell them you're busy and will call them back.

Why do you answer the phone if you're not available?

This^^^

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