Martin’s manager said people kept interrupting him without warning.
The next morning, Martin fixed a wireless doorbell beside his computer.
Every visitor had to ring and wait.
By lunch, his manager asked whether the new system was helping.
Martin worked beside the printer, which meant everybody visited his desk.
Some came for paper. Some came for staples. One man from accounts came every hour to ask whether the printer was making that noise yesterday.
Martin’s manager, Claire, said he needed boundaries.
Do not let people interrupt you without warning, she said.
Martin took the advice seriously.
The next morning, a small wireless doorbell appeared beside his keyboard. A card said PLEASE RING.
The first visitor laughed, pressed the button and heard a cheerful tune.
Martin finished typing his sentence, looked up and said, Come in.
There was no door, but the visitor stepped closer.
Soon there was a line beside the printer. Each person rang the bell and waited for Martin to invite them to the final two feet of carpet.
Martin also added a second card.
DELIVERIES USE SIDE ENTRANCE.
It pointed to the other side of his chair.
At noon, Claire heard the bell playing for the ninth time. She walked over without pressing it.
Martin held up one finger and pointed to the sign.
Claire rang.
Martin finished his email and looked up.
Come in.
Claire asked whether the system was helping.
Very much, Martin said. Nobody interrupts me now.
Claire looked at the six people waiting beside the printer.
What are they doing?
Martin checked a little notebook.
They have appointments to interrupt me.
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