Loud Thinking June 06, 2014 at 01:20PM
Treat Your Next Work Interruption like an Opportunity
The laundry list of demands at work keeps growing. Meetings, phone calls, email, texts, videoconferences, etc. It can feel like there’s no time to get “real work” done. But these interruptions aren’t keeping you from work, they are work — and looking at them this way opens up a world of opportunities. Every “interruption” offers a chance to illuminate an issue, clarify expectations, or resolve a problem. By training yourself to see these moments as real work instead of distractions, you can lead more effectively. When someone interrupts you, listen intently, help frame the issue, and respond with positivity. Remember that even people who aren’t present may be affected by your words and actions, because whatever you say or do will be relayed to others.
Adapted by HBR from “ Turn Your Next Interruption into an Opportunity” by Douglas R. Conant.