7 ways to handle constant interruptions

7 ways to handle constant interruptions

You woke up ready to take on the world and just knew you'd be more productive today than ever before. Then you looked up at 4 p.m. and realized that despite working hard all day, you didn’t get much checked off. In fact, your to-do list only grew.

How can one start the day so energetically, work constantly, and still get so little done? It usually boils down to one word: interruptions.

All it takes is one “Got a minute?” to derail your train of thought. Human interaction may be necessary for any cooperative enterprise, but it's also the single greatest source of impaired productivity.

So how do you balance relationships with results? Implement these simple procedures to cut interruptions off at the pass.

1. Abandon your open-door policy

Open-door policies sound nice, but in practice they result in constant interruptions. Instead of making yourself accessible all the time, set specific office hours when people can interrupt you freely, and close the door when facing a tight deadline.

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2. Turn off email alerts and ringers

Don’t respond to email when it tells you to. Check your messages a few times a day, rather than leaving your inbox up and answering them as they come in. By turning off the alerts, you’ll be in control and can answer everyone's questions at once. Otherwise you'll have to handle those questions at others’ prompting, not yours.

3. Screen your interruptions

If you have an assistant, let him filter your interruptions. Have him hold your calls and intercept visitors when necessary, asking him to schedule appointments with those wanting to meet with you.

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