One of the biggest issues we have in our working lives is that we just don’t seem to have enough time available.
Once we have overcome the email backlog that seems like we are bailing out a sinking boat, we might just find enough time to work on something more meaningful.
And for a minute or two, bliss!
Our minds have focused on the topic, and we are just about to start writing when, inevitably, the DISTRACTION arrives.
“Hi Dave, watch the game at the weekend?”
And it’s all undone. The polite ensuing three-minute conversation about something we can do little about is enough to derail our thinking for over 20 minutes. Or 23 minutes and 15 seconds, to be more precise.
In today’s world, we are training ourselves to ‘cope with distractions’ rather than ‘think deeply’.
Throughout 2020 and into 2021, I have spoken with many people who have found additional productivity by ‘working from home. One colleague claims that she can do three day's work in one day thanks to the cocoon she builds for herself on that day at her home office. I can well believe it.
The good news is that the impact of the big four distractions of VC/Phone, email, meetings, and office pests can be controlled, if not eliminated, by applying a few simple rules.
- Manage your electronic information (email inbox protocols, anti-distraction apps, productivity software etc.)
- Veto all unplanned meetings about non-urgent issues.
- Use ‘simple’ meeting agendas and stay on topic. Watch for Rabbit holes.
- Reserve interruptions for true emergencies.
- Encourage the use of interruption-free times for everyone.
- Keep a log of your distractions (who, when, what, how long etc.) and address the issue with them.
- Provide training on time management, organisation, and productivity.
I started writing this blog exactly ninety minutes ago. In that time, I was distracted by an unplanned 6-minute zoom call and a 5-minute unplanned phone call. Undistracted, I could have written this blog in 30-40 minutes. See how it adds up?
So, the next time you plan to randomly interrupt someone, have a think about the cost of that distraction!
Industry partners Australia will be running an event on ‘Managing Your Time Better’ on 16th June. If this is something that would assist, click the link in the title to register. Be quick....time is running out! Pun intended 😉
David Newland; Operations Manager Queensland
Related content: Time management is important
