In today’s 24-7 work environment, one of the things that is most difficult to deal with is the number of distractions. When we are at work, ringing phones, faxes and dinging e-mails constantly battle for our attention, not to mention bosses and co-workers and endless meetings.
So how to regain some quality concentration time? The first thing to do is grab and pen and paper and head to a quiet place where you can concentrate, such as a nearby park, a conference room or even the local library. The point is to find some place where you won’t be interrupted while you try and come up with some ideas of how not to be, well, interrupted.
First, think about your work environment. Do you unintentionally invite people to interrupt you? For example, if your area has a comfy chair, and you speak to everyone who walks by, you’re asking for problems. Instead, change your seating arrangement so that you don’t face a door, since you’ll be tempted to look up at anyone who walks by.
Remember, once you make eye contact with someone, that person is more likely to stop and just to shoot the breeze or see what you’re working on. And, if you’ve got a comfy chair that invites someone to stop and sit down and talk, you may have an interruption that lasts 10 minutes or more.
While you’re considering how you work, also consider the image your workspace conveys. Candy dishes on your desk, toys or funny posters can give the impression that you’re not serious about your work. Simply by having a space that mostly focuses on getting things done will also subtly remind others that you’re on the job to work. (For a discussion of working-from-home distractions, go to the blog at www.anitabruzzese.com).
Further, once you’ve greeted everyone with a smile or friendly hello at the beginning of the day, there’s no reason you have to acknowledge someone each time you see them. If passing in the hallway, just nod and keep moving. If an unexpected visitor shows up, you can offer a friendly smile or greeting, but stand up and offer your hand, while saying: “How can I help you?” This shows that you’re ready for business, and keeps the person from lingering for too long.
Some other tips for cutting down on distractions:
– Shut off your e-mail. Some people can check e-mail only twice a day, but that’s not realistic for many people. But checking it every 30 minutes allows you time to work undisturbed and get more done, without falling behind on important messages.
– Stay off the Internet. Employers estimate that employees spend up to an hour every day using the Internet for personal business. Not only can this get you in trouble with the boss, it’s a good way to get off task. Don’t even open up your browser, and stop bookmarking favorite Web sites at work.
– Talk to yourself. You can either do this in your head or aloud, but continually say to yourself: “What is the most important thing I need to be doing right now?” You may come to realize that you’re intentionally procrastinating on some tasks because you don’t like doing them. In that case, get the jobs done first that you dislike the most.
– Find your hiding spot. The advantage of having laptops is that they allow you to pick up your work and head for another destination. Ask the boss if you can go to a local coffee shop or book an empty conference room so that you can have some uninterrupted time. Turn off your cell phone and only check it once an hour.
– Consider your own behavior. It could be that one of the reasons you’re getting off track is because you’re part of the problem. How many times do you stop and talk to others in a typical day? When you’re waiting on phone calls, or between projects, do you wander over to someone else’s desk to talk? Do you linger around the coffeepot? By behaving in such a way, you aren’t respecting the time of others – and they may be only too happy to return the favor when you least need it.
