Limit Interruptions

Even if you have isolated your priorities and started to work on them, unnecessary interruptions can create chaos. Warning signs that interruptions dictate your work could be one or more of the following: co-workers who interrupt for simple problems; you behave as if you’re the only one who can make decisions; or you face the entrance of your workspace which invites others to stop in.

1. Do Interruptions Dictate Your Work? Take this short quiz to discover whether interruptions are sabotaging your productivity.
2. If interruptions routinely devour your day, follow these suggestions:
   • Be tough. All interruptions are not created equal. In fact, many interrupters just want you to solve their problems. Ask them tough questions about what they’ve done to solve the problem on their own: “Who have you met with?” “What resources have you explored?”
     
   • Identify the worst offenders. You may discover that 80% of your interruptions come from about 20% of your co-workers. Ask these regulars to save their questions for scheduled meetings.
     
   • Define your “office hours.” Cut down on interruptions by scheduling regular times to be available. Example: “I’m open to questions from 1 to 3 each afternoon.” And alert others when you prefer to work uninterrupted.
     
   • Ask the interrupter to decide if his or her problem is more important than your current task. Example: “John, I’m trying to produce the weekly docket report on time. Is your question a higher or lower priority than this report?”
   • Post a “Please Don’t Interrupt” sign. When you’re available again, remove the sign. A sample Please Don’t Interrupt Sign has been provided.

Go to Time Management Step Four: Master the Art of Delegation if you have the authority to delegate tasks to your co-workers.
If not, Go to Time Management Step Five: Use Technology to Your Advantage to learn how to use technology to save time.