No, you're not being unreasonable, you're being professional.  You're doing your job as your boss expects you to do it, and that is what counts.



The advice you've received here in this post is excellent.  When I'm faced with the "pushy" caller, I try to remain calm and tell him/her that it really isn't possible for them to speak with my boss right now, but that I would be more than happy to relay their message.



As far as the caller/visitor not being willing to tell you what the call is about, I like CG's suggestion.  I have to admit that I've never thought to offer to put callers into boss's voice mail when they prefer not to give me the information.  That's an excellent way out of a potentially sticky situation.  That way, boss can choose to delete the message and not call the person back, or for future reference can alert me to the fact that he doesn't want calls from that person put through.



As I'm thinking about it, that would probably be a workable solution to the drop-in visitor who wants to see the boss without an appointment.  Just tell him "I'm sorry, but Mr. Smith is not available right now.  If you'd like, you can leave a message on his voice mail."  Then, access boss's number in the voice mail system and hand the phone to the visitor.  Problem solved.  Thanks CG!



After all is said and done, it's our professionalism in handling situations like this that make us stand out in our boss's estimation.  Whatever you do, keep your cool.



Energizer