Let Me Interrupt You

Sunday, 26. July 2009 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

Time is a leaders most valuable resource. Therefore, learning to manage the constant onslaught of interruptions is a skill one must learn - enabling a leader to make the most effective use of the limited time they do have.

** The following are a few disciplines a leader can incorporate to do this:
1) Establish daily “closed door” hours, where you are not to be interrupted by staff - unless the office is burning down! (This won’t work unless you hold your staff accountable to this rule… for they will surely test your resolve.)

2) Have your office assistant pre-screen and manage your incoming emails and calls. Establish guidelines for which kind of emails and calls your assistant can deal with themselves.

3) Take your work out of the office to a quiet place for a few hours - and turn off your cell phone.

4) Continue to increase your ability to delegate, empower, and let others manage tasks - with your minimal oversight.

5) Hold regular staff meetings, and tell staff to wait to address non-critical issues until these meetings.

So a simple thought:
** As a leader, since it is essential for you to manage your time and interruptions carefully - how have you been doing lately? How can you get better?