Time management - dealing with "interruptors" - part two

Here is the second half of the 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…

If you need to meet with another person, go to them. Then, you can leave when you are ready Also, consider how your body language welcomes or discourages interruptions. Example: when sitting, only turn your head towards an “interrupter”. The rest of your body then provides “barrier” (a sub-conscious message to let people know not to waste your time)

Lay out your workspace so that it does not appear to welcome interruptions. For example, having a desk facing, or beside, an office coffee machine or photocopier is probably not a great idea Make a show of looking at a watch or clock to indicate it's time for the other party to leave! Or, use other "end of discussion" body language e.g. closing a file, putting papers away, closing a computer screen etc. to indicate it's time for them to go. Even less subtle, when it’s time for the “interrupter” to leave, pick up the telephone and look at them!

Have the interrupter agree to take action - but state it in an "action-decided" way e.g. "fax the information to me" is better than "could you..." which invites further discussion Apologise for not being "interrupt-able" at the moment - make an appointment for a mutually-agreeable future time to talk If all else fails - leave, even if it's your office or workspace - they'll eventually get the message!!

Finally, avoid those “accidental” interruptions. These happen when you are engaged in a task - particularly a boring or routine one - and something else attracts your attention. Your subconscious becomes more interested in this. One way to help might be to bring a pair of earplugs to work!?



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

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