Here's how you can effectively manage interruptions and maintain productivity with executive coaching.

Time-blocking is a great start. That way people know that you are actually working on something versus being available for meetings. As you scale, meeting creep is real. My suggestions for time-blocking for execs and coaches: 1) Double the time you think you need to complete a task 2) Reduce the number of things you think you can do in a week (forces focus and prioritization). You will have to let some fires burn. 3) Minimize context switching (this is an additional mention burden you don't need). Don't go from a meeting to a focused-time task then back to a meeting, for example. Stack 2 or 3 meetings (max).

For executives, the most precious resource is time. It’s what sets apart productive from unproductive executives —their ability to make the best use of their time available. What truly sets exceptional executives apart is their ability to maximize productivity while maintaining focus on what matters most. And the secret weapon in their arsenal? Time blocking. Start Your Day with Focus: The golden rule of time blocking: Begin your day with a focus block. When your energy levels are high and distractions are minimal, tackle your most critical task. Guard this time fiercely—no interruptions, no email notifications. It’s your productivity oasis. The main trick is to spare the high energy and focus time to work on the most important task.

There is no doubt that time blocking is an effective way to gain momentum on a project. Start with a ten minute block, no phone, no interruptions. It makes a world of difference to gaining momentum and completing a task. However, if you notice there is a resistance to blocking time for projects it is vital that you talk to someone who can help you identify why it is you feel you need to do everything at once.

Prioritize your work in alignment to your role. Get done with deep work like strategy and planning first and then move on to the grind. Keep the highest priority things to be done without draining yourself in firefighting. This way your day will be structured and purposeful.

I believe following are some strategies one can follow, 1. Identify and prioritize tasks: Help executives identify high-priority tasks and allocate specific time blocks for them. 2. Set boundaries: Coach executives on setting boundaries to minimize interruptions. 3. Develop time management skills: Teach executives effective time management techniques (working in short, focused bursts). 4. Mindfulness and resilience: Help executives develop mindfulness practices to stay present. 5. Communication skills: Improve executives' communication skills to effectively delegate tasks, set expectations with colleagues about availability. 6. Reflect and adjust: Encourage executives to regularly reflect on their productivity and interruptions.

Boundary setting is essential to protect your time but also to build the stamina and capacity of others. Here are some of the methods I find helpful. 1. Rehearse saying no. There are lots of ways to do it. I can’t give this the time it needs right now I’m sure it can wait 24 hours….I’d like you to do some prep work on this to aid my input… 2. Protect time by blocking out planning and reflection time in your diary. 3. Dedicate time to drop ins for staff so they don’t turn up unannounced. 4. Upskill staff to use tools to self check and strength test ideas and approaches before approaching you for help.

The tactics for boundary settings are bountiful. Just Google it or ask a Gen AI bot like ChatGPT. However, the main psychological barrier to appropriate boundary setting is what you want to work on: 1) Guilt. Saying 'no' is hard for most people. Especially if you want to be as helpful as possible. Get comfortable with the guilt and be respectful when you decline invitations for calls/meetings. 2) Fear of missing out. Will putting that email on ice really be catastrophic for you and your business? Is not taking the impromptu meeting really going to reduce your social standing? #) Communicating what you want and need. Some of the top execs I work with write "how to work with me" guidelines so they pre-frame their reports on what to expect.

Maintaining our boundaries is possibly one the most important types of self-care, self-preservation and self-respect we can engage in. When we make it clear that certain behaviours are not tolerated those who cannot deal with that will eventually tire. Self-preservation through constructive use of boundary setting is key to our self-respect, our self-care and ultimately our self-esteem.

Según mi experiencia el saber delegar te ayuda a dedicar tiempo a las cosas importantes, empoderar a los miembros de tu equipo y a incrementar la productividad y eficiencia de todos. Como coach profesional ayudo a mejorar la competencia de delegar por medio de estrategias y acompa?amiento.

Delegation starts with getting clarity on what matters most (high impact activities) so you can move the needle always and all-ways. With clarity, you can chunk the activities to tasks that you can execute right now within arm's reach. Then run it through the following filter: 1) Do it yourself right now (urgent and highest impact for you as CEO/exec). 2) Date it (do it another time: time stamp). 3) Delegate it (who else can help you and why are they best suited to?) 4) Dump it.

Technology tools can be both a help and a hindrance when managing interruptions. While they can cause distractions, they can also be used to protect us from disruptions and enhance our productivity. Executive coaching can guide the effective use of these tools to strike a balance. Here are a few tips: Set Boundaries: Use technology to mute notifications for distraction-free focus periods. Prioritize Wisely: Use tools to prioritize tasks to tackle critical items without distraction. Streamline Communication: Update your availability status to indicate your focus level and manage interruptions. Review and Reflect: Analyze your tech habits to identify productivity drains and develop strategies to address them.

Productivity is often a focus that executives want coaching on. However, while it starts with that, explorations around why and what they want to work on leads to deeper conversations around themselves. Tools and techniques are great but growing the awareness and mindsets shifts needed often lead to more sustained changes that has a postive impact even beyond personal productivity.

Notice what your body is telling you when you feel you are not managing things well. It can help if you make a note that you have a headache, or you would rather not do a certain task because it feels too challenging or not challenging enough. Notice and make note of what is happening for you because that information can serve as essential data for a coach or mentor who you chose to work with in the future. Because great coaches themselves have coaches and mentors. No one gets it right all the time, we are all learning and refining our skills. Reminding ourselves that everyone is flawed can help us effectively maintain our productivity.