Interruption is the enemy of productivity.
Wanted to share some insight out of a book I am reading with the local Leadership Academy Book Club folks. The chapter that stood out to me was labeled… Interruption is the enemy of productivity.
I have highlighted the bits and pieces from the book itself ...“REWORK”…. and the rest of my wellness blog today is just me talking w/ you about being more productive at work.
Think about it: When do you get most of your work done?
If you are in an office or corporate setting –like me- It is usually first thing in the morning…. Why is this?... b/c most of the staff is not in yet and/or b/c everyone is getting ready for the day –checking e-mails and voicemails… etc… meaning LESS Interruptions for me. However… once people get up and moving around…. It starts … The dreaded interrupter approaches your desk. Ahhhh…
Yep- “We” interrupt people and “People” interrupt us… Those taps on the shoulders and little impromptu get-togethers may seem harmless at first… but …they are actually corrosive to productivity. Interruption is not collaboration, it is just interruption –and when you are interrupted you are not getting “your” work done. J So true.
I keep these 4 questions below in front of me as a REMINDER to keep business conversations, clear, concise and to the point… Try it on for size and see if it works for ya…
-Sharpening the Saw while Communicating at Work -
Is this relevant?
Is this necessary?
It this encouraging?
Is this helpful?
I personally will go through the above line of questions in my head as I felt the urgeeee to beee… thee- interupttt-errr …
Now – don’t get me wrong… sometimes the interruption can benefit you (if it is relevant to what you are working on or helpful to the person you are interrupting) - thatttt is all goodddd and wonderful… However, if someone’s body language screams… “I am really focused and working on this deadline”…. Take notice and keep on trucking by
My colleagues and my friends …. “If” you can limit yourself from shifting your mind between various tasks (Interruptions) you get a boat load more done. Trust me on this one… At first people may think you are a bit insensitive and there may be an adjustment period–but in the long run…shucks… you will come out soooo far ahead productivity wise. Save those lengthy conversations for your lunch hour or a break or shoot someone an e-mail orrr send a card or a note from home to let a co worker know you are thinking about them. These kind gestures go a long way and don’t take up valuable work hours.
I challenge you today to let go of the communication addiction… At work- Keep it short and simple – Really… that is my new slogan .. I personally “prefer” e-mailing my business correspondence b/c it eliminates some of the small talk that takes up precious time. Additionally… it gives people the opportunity to respond when it is convenient for them, instead of being forced to drop everything right away.
I do believe we could ALL buy a little more time and actually leave work on time (I now I do) … if we limited the “majority” of our interruptions andddd who “we” interrupted… Inventory your time next week and see where it is going. If you see patterns… Change them….
Your day is under siege by interruptions – It is on you to fight back.
After all…. I WORK TO LIVE – NOT LIVE TO WORK.- You?