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

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