This week’s question…
How do I avoid time-wasting interruptions from others? This is a question that comes up frequently in my programs. People often ask me, “Joyce how do I set boundaries so I can stop interruptions and do the work that I want and need to do?”
Many of my clients have difficulty setting limits with others and speaking up for themselves. Their time is not their own because they are continually being interrupted. They may have a difficult time saying “NO” to the request or demands of others.
We waste a lot of time when we don’t set boundaries when they interrupt us.
International Communications Research (ICR) in New York surveyed over 1000 people on how many minutes per day they are interrupted with things they don’t want to do. This did not include time spent on line or E-Mail. Over 42% of those surveyed said they spend 100 minutes or more every day on interruptions. This comes out to the following:
• 100 minutes per day
• 11 2/3 hours per week
• 26 days per year
And that’s a five week vacation!
While you can’t make up for lost time, you CAN have more time to do what you WANT to do…starting today!
Here’s the SECRET to realizing this dream of having more time to do what you want. Be Direct with Respect® is a skill that will show you how to stop interruptions at work in order to do your priority tasks. It is the art of telling others that you can’t take care of their needs without sounding like a selfish person. It allows you to do what you need and WANT to do and gain respect from others at the same time.
To some, “Can I have five minutes of your time?” really means, “Can I steal more than five minutes of your time?” Energy vampires who ask this question can suck the lifeblood out of you! They are people who interrupt you and complain constantly. Be Direct with Respect® is about those moments which are stolen from you. Stolen moments are when you want to take care of specific tasks and one person or another interrupts you and won’t let you get back to your priorities.
Here is one thing to keep in mind to take back control
CLICK HERE to watch my short video on the Power Talk Formula.
So, how about you?
Where would you like to improve your ability to stay in control of your time?
How well are you able to execute the one skill that you have to manage your time effectively with others?
How do you manage interruptions at work? What would be possible if you tolerated fewer interruptions at work?
I want to hear from you!
CLICK HERE to send me your questions or concerns. I enjoy hearing from my readers plus they get their questions answered.
Take my simple quiz and get a snapshot of your strengths and opportunities of improvement.
CLICK HERE to take the easy and fun Communicate with Impact Quiz. You will get your results immediately and learn more about setting boundaries to be more effective at work and in your life. Sound good? Here’s the LINK.
Interested in more resources to take charge of your work experience?
Check out my Communicate with Impact Master E-Course. It’s a great way to learn the Power Talk Formula very fast without having to go anywhere. You can learn at your own pace from anywhere.
Want to share or use this Article in Your Newsletter or on Your Website?
Of course! You are welcome to print this, and any other articles we send, if you use the following byline:
A recognized expert on Resolving Conflict in the Workplace, Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP is an author, communication strategist, and a Certified Speaking Professional. To book Joyce to speak at your event or company call: 800.713.1926 or email: Joyce@JoyceWeiss.com
Visit her website at ConflictInTheWorkplace.com to sign up for your own FREE video series and Communicate with Impact Weekly to Resolve Conflict in the Workplace.
Until next time,
This is Joyce Weiss, Communication Strategist
I help people become top level leaders who get GREAT results.
How do I do this?
I teach them to tackle the tough conversations with bullies and negative people to build employee engagement, accountability, and rock star performance…
The Result? My clients resolve their conflict and they get a better night’s sleep!
Feel free to call me (800.713.1926) concerning your own team/executive retreats, workshops, on line professional growth coaching, and keynote speeches.
Remember…You Get What YOU Tolerate!
See YOU Next Week.
CLICK HERE to take the easy and fun Communicate with Impact Quiz. You will get your results immediately. You will discover how your communication is impacting your success at work. Sound good? Here’s the LINK.
CLICK HERE to find out how you can start setting boundaries immediately!
