Time Management: Managing Disruption and Keeping Focused

Most of us are distracted several times, if not dozens of times, every day. We get emails and phone calls; we are pulled into last-minute meetings; we are asked for information and advice. And this all works in reverse, with us having to write a quick email, make a phone call, or call an unexpected meeting. We also need to take breaks to give our brains, eyes, and ears a rest. On top of all this we have non-work interruptions and disruptions – the social interactions that are all part of life at work. Everyday interruptions can be a major barrier to managing your time effectively, and, ultimately, can be a barrier to your success. The duration of this course is 20 minutes and can be completed over multiple sessions. By the end of this course you will be able to: • Describe ways to reduce disruption caused by emails, phone calls, instant messaging, and other people • Understand interruption logging • Describe how to operate an open-door policy properly • Understand how to deal with uncontrollable interruptions • List the disrupting effects of the working environment • Understand how to keep focused at work