Stop the Interruptions! Please!?!

The word for the week is "Interruptions.”

Everything takes longer than expected and it’s usually because of unplanned interruptions. It’s a fact that refocusing after an interruption takes valuable time and is unproductive.

About twenty years ago, I began planning for interruptions. Boy did it make my life easier. I was less frustrated and overwhelmed because I added in time for interruptions on my things to-do list. If I knew something would take me an hour to complete, I planned for two. If by some miracle I wasn’t interrupted, I could move to the next item on the list.

I also learned to handle interruptions without being too rude. The telephone is a great tool if used effectively. Learn to interrupt politely—“how can I help you today?” I’m so sorry, but I must get back to this project, can we schedule a time to talk later?

Turn off the sound on your email account. When focused on a task, I turn off the email until I’m done. When the bored employee strolls by with coffee in hand, stand up and talk, this usually signals that this isn’t a good time to sit and chat.

What tactics do you use to handle interruptions?

I plan for interruptions.

#interruptions #manageinterruptions

Comments

Your Network Can Send You a Life Line!

The phrase for the week is "Invest in Your Network” Thought I'd keep the investment theme going another week. On this day when taxes are due, I'd like to remind you that investments in your network are also due! Too often I speak with young and senior professionals who invest little or no time in building and expanding their network. It is usually during a personal or professional crisis when the alarm sounds and they realize they have no network. They are all alone. When you have built a thriving network, you’ll know. You are privy to information that hasn’t gone public yet or perhaps, never will. You are smarter than your peers because you have a body of knowledge and expertise that you can tap into with a quick phone call or email. You are the go-to person for counsel and information. People want you on the team. How do you build or expand your network? Begin with securing a mentor (see March 11, 2019 blog post). It doesn’t...

Welcome to My Leadership Blog!

I don’t have to tell you that thinking outside the box is critical to success in today’s bustling world. As busy leaders, it is a daunting task to find the time to strengthen our leadership skills, attend to our family and contribute in a meaningful way to our community. Often we feel overwhelmed and find it difficult to set priorities when, so it seems, everything is a priority. Yet, we suck it up and move ahead, not sure if the problem is “us” or “them.” Certainly, we can all agree that working harder doesn’t always get the desired results. Throughout my 38 years as a public relations and business strategist and executive coach, I’ve observed that sometimes it is “us” and sometimes, it is “them.” Recently, I reflected on all I learned over the years as a student of human behavior and was compelled to write the blog I wish I could have read 30 years ago. I have a personal library filled with books on leadership, emotional intelli...

Don't Think You Can Wing it!!

The phrase for the week is "Don’t Wing It” Design your career path by first developing a written plan. The process I recommend couldn’t be easier. I take the basic elements of a business plan and apply those to brand “You.” Be clear on your strengths and how they align with your passion for the profession you’ve chosen. Knowing your values will help you seek employers or clients that are a comfortable fit. Do your research and perform your own SWOT analysis (strengths, weakness, opportunities, threats). In the planning phase, spend an adequate amount of time using the research to support your plan. Consider all possible outcomes and how you will respond. Hold yourself accountable by creating an action plan with deadlines. Tap into your passions and signal to the world you are here and ready to realize your destiny. I use all my resources to develop a career plan that aligns with my values. Sh...

Your Leadership Coach

Search This Blog