Now *this* is why I avoid non-compulsory work gatherings.

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My workmate gave me the following helpful email today:

Just a little “Heads Up” on your potential for aspy-like behavior –

It’s probably not a good look to start reading the paper on the table in the middle of the assembled staff while the top boss is giving a speech.



*facepalm* You see, I wouldn't have ever predicted that anyone could have possibly taken that amiss. Luckily I'm very good at my job or I'd be fired by now.

I'd be more upset that someone actually called me on it. Well, humiliated might be a better word.

The talk by the boss must have been boring!

Helen

Legally you cannot be fired for having a "disability" or displaying traits of your disability. (And yes, I know that disability isn't a nice word, but I'm looking at this from the legal point of view and disability is how they refer to it).

I guess your colleague was trying to help although they could have phrased it in a nicer way.

In future it might be worth just avoiding non-compulsory events. I avoid them as I don't see the point and I don't have any interest in them whatsoever. I go to work to do my job - that's all.

I read the handouts during speeches and presentations all the time. I make notes and periodic eye contact with the speaker/presenter. They know these things are boring.

I think the email is nice, not bad.

* It shows they care enough to let you know that you've goofed
* It shows they are considerate enough not to tell you publicly
* It's well-written (IMHO)
* It's straight-forward (albeit with a minor hint of sarcasm, but used to make the message more polite rather than less)
* The behaviour could get you in trouble in the future; it's expected that you'll "follow" the speaker with your eyes/head, especially when they're "important" and (to them) you are just one of many regular employees.

You have a good friend. It's good advice and nicely worded. Anytime the apes in charge (AIC) are talking, I try to make eye contact with an occasional glance away as I shift my position.

Sometimes a higher ape or a legal requirement mandates the meeting. No one wants to attend but it's like filling out business forms in googol-icate. Just get through them as well as you can. If it's painful for you, imagine what the bosses go through - they can't duck behind someone and doze.