A Journey Interrupted
Getting The Job Done
With all the best intentions in the world, I set out on a journey today. With a clear destination in mind, I took the first steps with confidence.But then noticed a flower over there. “Must take time to enjoy it.” I reasoned. Then during the next step or two a friend said, “can you just help me out a little?” Well, that’s what friends are for and so I took that time plus a little more before returning to my course for the day.
Soon I heard a shout from the distance, “Hey, call me when you can.” Well. that’s not now I mused to myself, and I travelled on. Later I heard from another friend who was checking in on me at my request and so of course I took time for him.
And then there was the detour. I went places that I didn’t intend to go and for a while I became lost. I wandered in circles with rabbit trails that seemed productive. Finally I got my bearings and journeyed on toward my destination.
While this may seem like a pointless story about a walk in the woods, it describes how my day has gone. This is how many of my days go. It is the story of small interruptions that prevent managers from managing and doers from doing. It’s the story of how the great journey that I had planned for today morphed into something else.
So, how does one deal with interruptions effectively and achieve the objectives of the day?
First, Accept the fact that interruptions will appear. The phone will ring if you don’t put it on “Do Not Disturb”. Someone will knock on the door and say “Got a minute?” unless you have hidden yourself away. The e-mail will pop up on your screen and the text message will appear from nowhere unless you have disabled the devices. Interruptions will occur unless you take steps to prevent them by removing yourself from access to people and distractions. Determine the degree of interruptions that you can safely manage, and short circuit the rest by changing your physical location and electronic availability.
Second, Clear your plate. Take charge by delegating the things that you can. Postpone or eliminate the others. It’s a matter of priority. Step back and take a good look at everything that is on your plate. What can safely be moved to another person? What can be dealt with at another time? What doesn’t belong on your plate? If at the end of the day there is one thing that must be done at the expense of all others, what is that thing? Then do it.
Third, No, tomorrow won't be a better day to do it. When you are asking that question, it usually means that fear or pain has reared its ugly head in the form of procrastination. Procrastination is like waiting for a better time to see the dentist about a toothache, or to call a plumber about the backed up toilet. How can later be better than now? If procrastination has you immobilized, grab it by the throat and don’t let go until you have put it to it deserved end.
Fourth, Divide and Conquer. The road to your destination may be long with many winding turns. It can be daunting to think of the great distance between where you start and where you finish. Include a predetermined time frame for each of the parts, and recognize if you are spending too much time one one task of lesser importance at the expense of other tasks that are critical to your mission. So don’t set yourself up to be overwhelmed. Divide the sum of the entire trip into smaller and measurable parts.
My journey today may not take me exactly where I thought it would when I started out this morning, but by following my own advice posted in this blog, I have a much better chance of at least not finding myself in the same place as where I started from.
I hope these thoughts help you on your journey too.
Dan
