Stay on track to get to the top

In these days of constant connectivity, social media and instant messaging, it’s all too easy to become distracted from the task in hand. Follow these handy hints to avoiding workplace interruptions – they’ll help you focus on your job and your souped-up efficiency is bound to impress your boss into the bargain.

Try building a physical barrier around your desk – think books, plants and a big lamp. This should help create the impression that you don’t want to be disturbed. Manage technological distractions by setting a timer on your phone, committing you to working on a particular project until the allotted time is up – no Facebook or Instagram breaks allowed.

Switch off from technology once in a while – if you find yourself fixated by Lady Gaga’s latest fashion faux-pas, then get up and walk away for five minutes or so – getting some air will allow you to have a clear head and will help you be more productive in the long run.

If garrulous colleagues are the ones waylaying your good intentions, then ask them to email you instead of popping by your desk to chat. If they really won’t take the hint then maybe it’s time to make your point blindingly obvious by attaching a note to your desk similar in style to a hotel’s “Do not disturb” sign – “On deadline” is one suggestion that might work.

When all else fails work out an exit strategy: think in advance of a line you can use to bring the conversation to a swift conclusion when you’re busy. Something along the lines of “I can’t really give this my full attention right now, but if you let me finish what I’m working on here, I’ll get back to you” can be an effective yet diplomatic way of achieving this.

Read the original story at tinyurl.com/n2b9zov