Unfortunately for too many people- distractions abound within their own workplace. The Law of Attraction tends to work too well with fellow team members and a barrage of interruptions can occur throughout the day. Also- team member time wasting bad habits seem to spill over and spread like the bird flu or at least gets the “producers” off their game.

If this is you and you are tired of how this is affecting your performance- before you throw in the towel conceding there is nothing that can be done- I have great news!  You can control and perform in spite of these challenges.

Here are some easy and effective techniques:

1.  Shut your door.  I am not being sarcastic or stating the obvious.  The door is there for a reason.  If there is a lock – use it or put one on.  If you have a door but no lock- hang a do not disturb sign on it.  If it gets violated (and it will) politely ask your intruder to let you get back to them or to send an email.  After a couple of breeches – they will know you mean business and will be “trained”.

2.  Put a note and a calendar stating your availability/open door time.  If you are a manager- you might put a list where people could put their name on and you can call them in order at your “open door time.” In your messages- be cordial and polite in your message.  At the same time, don’t get hung up on what others may say or feel.  You may want to send an email out in advance letting everyone know of your new Open/Closed Door Policy.

3.  Reduce/eliminate your water cooler time.  The time suckers in the office love to congregate there.  If you don’t drink their water you won’t be part of their click anymore.  You might even be called names.  Excellent!  That is exactly what you want.  Whatever you ignore- eventually goes away.  Now- if they are your friends- they should be able to respect your wishes to leave you alone and maybe that will cause them to start doing their job as well.

I know many of you are thinking- that’s great Rich but I don’t have a door let alone an office.   Not to worry- here are some creative things you can do to keep people from interrupting you (especially during high payoff activity times):

• Put up a Stop Sign or Do Not Enter Sign in the entry or in front of your cubicle.  If they violate send them a violation warning.  This can be funny or the brunt of jokes –but the message gets across and the bad habit begins to die off.
• Wear a double ear headset.  This is like putting on draft horse blinders and drowns out the outside noise around you.
• If you are able to change your surroundings such as a private office (based on the increased performance you will realize) or a home office- consider that if it would help your production.

Some of you may have people that just don’t get it.  You close/lock the door or put up a DND sign and they continually push right through the barriers just to waste your time, how do you deal with that?

Try some of these tips or approaches:

“Could you please do me a favor? The next time you see my door shut or sign up- could you honor the fact that I cannot be interrupted?  Thank you, I appreciate that!”

“My barrier (shut door/sign) is there for a reason.  Can you email me or was there nothing important you wanted to discuss?”

You will find your appropriate response.  Everyone can be trained.  The key is your commitment to making your new process stick.  Take control of your circumstance and elevate your focus and discipline to your tasks and business growth activities.  Don’t let anyone or thing get in your way of your progress and success.