Thus, any productivity gains or time savings that result from managing and minimizing interactions are just a small part of a much bigger prize. For the organization there is the potential for significant gains in terms of performance, collaboration and innovation.
Importantly, it is also about what is good for you – ensuring that you get as much from your work as is possible – that you end your working week feeling satisfied and proud of your accomplishments and contribution, rather that disappointed, frustrated or even exhausted.
These techniques are the ‘how’, but let’s not forget about the ‘why’. The why is that you can save precious time and energy – that you can focus on those areas that matter most. That you can cut through your task list as efficiently as possible – that you can manage the level of stress and frustration that you experience. That you feel like you are doing good work, making good progress and ending your week satisfied with your accomplishments and contribution.
These are many techniques to manage interruptions …some have fancy names e.g. the ”Pomodoro Technique’ or clever associations… …e.g. Triage Your Priorities & Tasks
These techniques are the ‘how’, but let’s not forget about the ‘why’. Changing our working habits isn’t easy, it requires motivation.
Here is a list of the typical motivations of senior executives. Which of these can really motivate you?
Which of these factors matter most you? Rewind to see the list again, if necessary.
Changing the way we work isn’t easy. A powerful motivation is required. So, what is yours?
Write out your goal for managing interruptions make it real – imaging your work & your life when the goal is realized.