When I asked fellow trainers, speakers, and consultants how they handle daily interruptions, I received an array of responses:
"To keep interruptions at bay," says Arnold Sanow, author of Get Along With Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere, "I plan out the next day the night before. I write, 'What are three things I will do today that will make a difference?' I tackle each item, one at a time. As I complete each, I take a break and handle e-mail, or make calls. I also make sure that my desk remains totally clear except for what I am working on." Humorist, author, and XM Radio personality Jane Jenkins Herlong has her office at home, and handles many tasks before 9 a.m., when it is quieter than the rest of the day. She keeps her office door closed to help create a low-distraction environment. Jane also sets time limits on tasks, which helps her stay hyper-focused. When she feels the need, she takes intentional "distraction" breaks.
"I get more done because I work hard at separating myself from environmental distractions. It's all about compartmentalization," says Bob Wendover, author of Figure It Out! Making Smart Decisions in a Dumbed Down World. "Whether it's completing a project or contemplating a decision, I find a place to hide," he says. "This might feel awkward at first, but you get used to it. Soon you start reveling in the opportunity. No one can do important work while texting, talking, and bouncing from task to task. All that bluster about multitasking is bull-oney."
Joe Calloway, author of Be the Best at What Matters Most, is another advocate of working alone, and thus no interruptions from co-workers. "I am a bit of a contrarian," says Joe. “Rather than subscribe to the policy of staying focused on the task in front of me, I tend to handle interruptions as they come in. I resolve or respond to them in some appropriate way and then return to my immediate task."
Joe's summary says it all: "I don't believe that there is any one 'template' for how to respond to interruptions. I think that different personalities and skill sets handle interruptions effectively in different ways."
