In today’s workplace, the perpetual influx of information and importance of networking makes interruptions an inevitable occurrence; sometimes, a frequent happening. While a momentary distraction may not seem a big deal, it takes only a second to completely divert one’s concentration, and could take minutes to get one’s focus back on track. While turning off your phone, or locking your office door are two ways of avoiding interruptions, there are more effective ways of handling the unexpected. To navigate beyond the regular interruptions at work, implement these 3 high-level tactics from the very beginning.
¨ Create templates. For the truly committed, a to-do list is not enough. Through the creation of templates, or a customized protocol for executing your work routine, you can narrate the precision flow of your day. When you are on a tight schedule, and every minute counts, there is no substitute for highly-order template to play by.
¨ Piece the puzzle together. Know the settings through which you best operate. Know the tasks to accomplish and what work is best for morning, afternoon and early-evening. Observe patterns that inspire productivity, which tend to naturally avoid interruptions. Creating conducive connections is an important part of life—keep improving your practice until you see the big picture.
¨ Publicize your schedule. Send a memo. Write it on the conference whiteboard. Set parameters for when you are available to handle the unexpected. By allocating a half-hour to an hour of your day to ‘the unexpected,’ you have effectively parsed ‘interruptions’ to a scheduled block of time and at your own convenience.
Interruptions at the office are less likely to impact one on a mission. By implementing this strategy-set, advancing beyond the interruptions is only the beginning. At heart, this is about embarking on a crusade towards a highly-efficient human being. Take proactive measures to keep interruptions out of your way.
How can you apply these tactics to your own unique schedule? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Until next time,
Yours truly,
Tommy Antonopoulos, Blogger for OfficeTime
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