101: Blocking Interruptions
It’s happened to all of us: While you’re answering an email at work, your phone rings. You answer it, and a co-worker stops by your cubicle with something for you to sign. You give it a quick glance while scribbling your signature, saving a draft on your computer screen, and holding the phone between your shoulder and neck. You are now technically doing three things at once, but are you doing any of them effectively? Try these tips:
Cut yourself some scheduling slack. If you think a task will take you an hour, allot yourself an hour and a half, advises Paulette Ensign at www.Daytimer.com. This extra time is to accommodate interruptions. “If you finish earlier than you estimated, it will feel like a bonus and a breather,” the article states.
Protect yourself from your distractions. Purposely carve out quiet time, says Susan Cullen in an article at www. QuantumLearn.com. “Don't feel you have to respond every time the phone rings or answer every email immediately,” she advises. This may mean (gasp!) shutting off your email notifications.
Set boundaries. This can mean physical boundaries, like a large plant blocking co-workers’ view of your workspace, for example, or time boundaries. Some interruptions are unavoidable, notes Danita Johnson Hughes at www.AnswerStat.com. “Establish how much time you have initially — 10 minutes, for example — (to deal with their issue) and stick to it,” she recommends. She cautions against engaging in small talk if a co-worker interrupts your work. Move the conversation — and your workday — along.
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