The Lost Art of Eavesdropping
Eavesdropping has gotten more nasty press than it
deserves. Information isn’t always passed on to those who need
to know. People are excluded from active participation in conversations
for many reasons. I view eavesdropping as passive
participation in a world where organizational forces do not always
consider my needs for information. If I want to know what’s
going on, I must take a more active role in acquiring what I need.
There are no hard and fast rules for any art form
and the same goes for eavesdropping. A few points to keep in mind
should you consider trying it:
Eavesdrop ethically. I strongly
advocate responsible eavesdropping. Using the information to hurt
a fellow employee will eventually catch up with you.
Listen from beginning to end.
If you overhear only part of a conversation, you may misinterpret
the information. Stick around until the topic you’re interested
in is abandoned.
Take notes. This can be tricky.
Keep your notepad hidden or make it look like you’re reviewing
your day planner.
Don’t interrupt when you aren’t able to
hear part of a sentence. It’ll blow your cover. Keep
in mind that subtlety is the key when it comes to eavesdropping.
When to eavesdrop? Anytime can be productive. Nevertheless,
according to the Expository Manual on Hidden Conversations,
8:00-8:30 a.m. and 4:10 p.m. till quitting time are the two prime
time periods for effective eavesdropping. Lunch time can also be
a very fruitful period, providing the noise level in the cafeteria
is minimal.
Persistence is the key to accumulating the data you
desire. An effective eavesdropper is someone who develops overhearing
habits from constant use—morning, noon, and night. Don’t
limit yourself to one “time period”; clear the wax and
always keep your ears tuned.
Where to eavesdrop? Tool rooms, restrooms, the shop,
in line in the cafeteria, even a conversation right outside your
cubicle can be a source. Simply not putting the spigot on full blast
to wash-up could ease your ability to overhear a vital conversation
between stalls.
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