Recently a business owner told me about how guilty she felt anytime when one of her employees would come into her office and did not see her on the phone, in front of the computer or pouring over a report or two.
One time in particuliar she was reading a magazine and an employee rushed in without knocking. Being involved in her publication, she did not pay much attention until it was too late. Immediately the CEO threw down her magaize as though she had been doing something bad.
When this client recounted her story she provided me with a lot of details except for one major detail which was the type of magazine or even the name.
From how she told the story, it must have been a juicey article from Cosmo or Vanity Fair. So being her coach, I asked her what was the dirty news rag she was holding? Her response oddly enough was The Scottsmen Guide - A Real Estate trade journal. Considering that my client was in the property management industry it only made sense for this to be on her desk. I then asked why was she so upset it wasn't as though she had just been caught with Soap Digest ; and even if she did what would have been the harm in taking a quick break?
Through her business upbringing she thought that the it was important to always look busy. This is especially true when you are in front of your subordinates.
I then asked was she reading an article that would help her with her business? She responded, "Yes. Of Course!" Then if you are working On your Business rather than IN it then wasn't that the best use of your time.
The lesson: Don't play business just for the sake of looking busy.