As a business manager, your distractions are like the unexpected gusts of wind you would face while hang gliding. They can throw you off course if you’re not prepared for them. In the fast-paced business world, distractions can severely limit your ability to provide LIFT to your organization and your team. So, manage distractions like a pilot.
Interruptions don’t just waste your time, they disrupt your team’s workflow and affect their productivity. Reports suggest distractions can consume about two hours of a workday, impacting everyone’s effectiveness. However, just like a skilled pilot, you can navigate these turbulent moments. Don’t let them blindside you.
When you prepare for distractions, you reclaim valuable time and improve decision-making. Just like catching the right updraft can elevate a glider, focusing effectively can take your managerial skills to new heights. Mastering this aspect of your role clears the path to your objectives, letting everyone work more efficiently. Here’s how to do that:
- Identify potential turbulence. Make a list of your common distractions. Is it email, social media, or maybe office chit-chat?
- Prioritize your tasks and align them with your day’s “flight plan.” Stick to the plan as much as possible.
- Designate landing zones. Establish specific times and places for tasks that commonly distract you. Check emails only at certain intervals, or designate a ‘chat corner’ away from workspaces.
- Radio silence is important to manage distractions like a pilot. Turn off unnecessary notifications. Your important work should be as quiet as possible so you can focus.
- Co-pilot support. Engage team members in your journey and share when you’d like your quiet time. Also, another pair of eyes can help you spot and navigate around an upcoming distraction.
- Tactical diverts. Keep a notepad handy for off-course thoughts that might distract you. Jot them down so you can circle back later.
Distractions are inevitable, but with the right tools and techniques, you can soar above them. By managing your distractions effectively, you’re launching your team to new heights. So, keep your eyes on the horizon and give your business the wings it needs to fly. Manage distractions like a pilot. You haven’t peaked yet!