More formally known as the move to go from Goofing Off To Frustrated And Tired, this classic defense mechanism describes the appropriate reaction when caught off-task on your computer. It is typically a spastic attempt to close or minimize a browser executed simultaneously with sitting up in your chair, turning toward the intruder, and adjusting the items on your desk. When done correctly, the G.O.T.F.A.T. creates the illusion that you have been caught in a moment of stressed frustration with your computer, posture, and desk condition all at once. Usually it is followed by a hasty, tired-sounding, “Hey, what’s up?”
It is believed to have been first invented by Scott Baslerig. Mr. Baslerig was one of many workers at his company who struggled to stay on task as the company was an early software company for Solitaire games. After many firings of his co-workers, Mr. Baslerig discovered this maneuver in his moment of desperation and became a legend.
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6 responses so far ↓
1 Melissa // Jul 10, 2007 at 2:11 pm
How could he resist?
2 Maureen Rogers // Jul 10, 2007 at 4:55 pm
Chuck - Too funny. Now, can you come up with a term for those folks with window offices who are playing games when you come in, but look at you as if you are interrupting something that’s all engrossing business. Only you know they’re playing Tetris or TaiPei because you can see it reflected in their glasses or in the window behind them.
3 Gilldaman // Jul 10, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Happened a few times to me, my triple B (boss’s boss’s boss), has developed a very sneaky attack into our hallway. He has to use a key to open the door but we can only hear him when the door shuts after he has walked in. Have to bring your A-game when he’s around to hit ALT+TAB and bring up a work screen.
4 Jay Looft // Jul 11, 2007 at 7:35 am
I very much agree with the G.O.T.F.A.T. method. I use it every day and it works every time. I sit in high traffic area of the office and you never know when somebody’s going to whip around into my cube and see what’s happening. Luckily I got the big boss on a pretty close radar. You guys hit the nail on the head with this definition.
5 Darin // Jul 11, 2007 at 5:24 pm
I want to comment that I can always see this guy’s computer screen when I come down the stairs everyday at the office. He is never doing anything. I do not know how they pay him at all. Be it a internet game, constant personal emails to his fiance, or just staring at his desk hating his life and job wishing for something better to come along and wisp him away. He is that guy walking around the office all day that manages to blend into whatever you are doing and only works just hard enough to “not” get fired. I mean there is probably a guy like that in everyones office, but I wanted to blog particularly about mine.
6 Chris // Jul 11, 2007 at 5:25 pm
You just have to learn Alt Tab…quickest way to get out of ESPN.com and back to Lotus Notes…
I don’t think you’ll find anyone faster at alt tab than me.
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