7 Strategies to Avoid Workday Interruptions

How can you create a game plan that lets you focus on special projects instead of running from cubicle to cubicle and feeling like

you’ve accomplished nothing?

Try these 7 strategies for offloading the tasks you can, prioritizing the tasks that remain, and focusing on the things that matter.

Block off chunks of time for working on routine daily tasks, times to focus on special projects, and times to be dedicated to helping staff members.

The more you work with a schedule, the more you’ll be able to accurately forecast each day. Then, as interruptions do arise, you’ll be able to offload some and prioritize and schedule the others.

Schedule Your Day

1

Set up a ticketing system and a process for requesting your assistance.

Try to avoid doing tasks that are requested outside of “the system.”

Put a Systemin Place

2

Post your schedule, along with instructions for completing common tasks and other useful information. Be sure to tell others about the changes you’re making.

“Any article, tip, or tool that lets you say ‘Here’s how you do that’ instead of ‘Let me do that for you’ is a timesaver.”

Assemble aToolkit

3

Some of your common tasks are simple enough that most staff members can do them - maybe even without your help. Draft a list of potential do-it-yourself tasks.

When someone you trust to do a task seeks your help, try suggesting that they attempt it on their own. Some staff members may even appreciate the opportunities to learn new job skills and to build their independence.

Build a Do-It-Yourself List

4

Put together simple how-to instructions for the do-it-yourself task list you created.

Ask staff members to write down procedures when they successfully complete a do-it-yourself task.

Expand Your Toolkit

5

Offer rewards for the help - something simple like donuts, company swag, or a candy bar.

Some people are technically savvy - others are not. Get as much help as you can from those who are willing and capable to help. Provide them with the tools that they need (passwords, software, documentation, etc). Get them to help, to train others, or to write up information about the processes they’ve followed.

Make sure they know how much youappreciate their help.

Use Their Strengths

6

As you implement your new game plan, continue to build your do-it-yourself list and add details to it. Think more about what various individuals are capable of doing.

Your do-it-yourself list may now include:

All tasks that can be delegated

Who to delegate the task to

Any tools needed to complete tasks

Check Your List Twice

7

There will always be people who need your assistance, even for simple tasks.

Approach them with a good attitude and get them to follow your system and respect your schedule… No

matter how many chocolate chip cookies they offer you.

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