Interruptions or Opportunities?
Not another phone call, email or someone popping by! Can't a person get any real work done around here?
Does that sound familiar? But wait just a moment! What if these so-called annoying interruptions are really opportunities knocking? What if they are actually a part of our work? What if we neglect them at our peril?
Changing our attitudes on interruptions may reduce the annoyance factor and any resulting pressure. It can also help us to put these interruptions to a good purpose. If we take time to answer that call, or accept a brief visit from that colleague, we might be building relationship bridges that will serve us well in the future. Besides, friendliness and courtesy are as essential at work as anywhere else.
That does not mean that we need to spend a lot of time in conversation, but a few minutes will do no harm, and may be very well spent. After a short time you can break it off with a promise to come back on it and ask the other person when he or she is available. If you really do not want to be interrupted, close your office door: it is not so easy to drop by then. You could let reception or your voice mail take messages until you are free and able to respond. Even if you prefer an open-door policy you could set your desk such that immediate direct eye contact can be avoided. Where such contact is possible with someone just walking past, it is easier for them to stop by for a chat than if they have to interupt you in what you are doing. As soon as you raise your head and look at them you have lost!
Regarding emails, they are best handled at specific times, rather than immediately they come in. That way, you are in control of your time, and can focus on your work projects. Messages from list-servers can be overwhelming and it can take a great deal of time to go through them to find those gems which can be useful to you. Organize your list-server and put your emails into a separate file which you can check at a time most suited to you.
Why take this time for interruptions? Well, the more connections we have the more innovative we can become. We can learn from others, find their opinions and advice, and we can draw on their professional network of contacts. Knowledge flows through companies via channels of influence and relationships that are often external to the formal structure of the organisation. You will not know what useful information you miss if you do not take the time to capture that information.
Make interruptions work to your advantage! Frequently they can help you stay connected, get fresh ideas and become more productive and innovative. Now there's a new perspective on interruptions!