In a world of e-commerce, e-learning, and e-everything, we must discipline ourselves to avoid wasting time. All of us can learn to be more effective or efficient. Keep an open mind, and read on, this edition of "Ministry Time Management Tips" we will discuss "handling interruptions."
You can be more efficient simply by handling interruptions to your workday with a simple plan. Interruptions such as phone calls and unplanned visitors can be very frustrating when you have results you must achieve.
The best way to handle interruptions is to make a decision immediately about what you will do about the interruption. You can choose from one of four options in terms of results you wish to achieve. But the fifth "D" is never an option!
1. Do it
2. Delegate it
3. Delay it
4. Drop it
5. Decide
Until you decide on a firm course of action you will neither achieve your task nor resolve the interruption. Deciding what to do lets you take charge rather than allowing interruptions to take charge of you. Interruptions from above are also common, but can be handled.
If your supervisor presents you with new priorities in the middle of what you are doing, discuss it with him/her. This way you can be sure that your supervisor is aware of all the targets you are required to meet.
The change of priorities again calls for a decision. And under these circumstances it becomes the supervisor's responsibility to make the decision. Remember: interruptions waste time and call for decisive actions.
You must make a decision!