Time management - dealing with "interruptors" - part one

Here are a range of ways you can use to try to deal with “interrupters”. Some are more serious than others, but all are aimed at getting your message across. Use the ones you feel comfortable with…


Start be establishing your own “interrupter priorities”. This starts with people who can interrupt you at virtually any time e.g. your boss, general manager, Customer etc. Secondly, those who can take your time when you are not particularly busy e.g. colleagues. Finally, those who you believe shouldn’t be allowed to take your time at all e.g. gossiping time-wasters. Establishing such a priority list in your head is a good starting point towards dealing with “interrupters”


But, make sure that relevant people e.g. team members know that, in a genuine emergency, you can always be interrupted. This doesn’t mean simply because they decide they need help!


Let your colleagues and team members know how you plan your day. Try and establish set times when it's best for people to come and see you


Deal with people who interrupt you routinely and for repetitive reasons. There may be a need for clearer goal-setting, task analysis or training (whether official, or simply you being helpful) to make them more confident in undertaking their tasks


With a chronic interrupter - before they can open their mouth, describe, in detail how busy you are. This makes it more difficult for them to try and burden you with even more


Time their interruptions! A wristwatch, stopwatch or even egg-timer can be used. When people ask: "Can you spare a couple of minutes" - you purposely allocate this exact amount of time. Keep checking as they talk!


Stand up to greet interrupters. They instantly feel less inclined to take a lot of your time - and it's easier to walk them towards the door or away from your work area! Standing up is also a useful technique when dealing with telephone interruptions - it makes you sound and feel more businesslike


Now, look for more great tips in part two!



Time management - dealing with "interruptors" - part one - To learn more about this author, visit Gordon Veniard's Website.

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