Stiff Arming Interruptions
Photo credit: titansized.com

Stiff Arming Interruptions

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter ---------> Click here.


I am a fan of American Football. I have been one for all my life. It was a game I played a lot as a child. However, I was never big enough to consider it as nothing more than having fun with the neighborhood kids.

Found in Rugby as well, there is a technique used by the ball carrier to keep a defender off them called the stiff arm. The runner can get quite aggressive and use their arm to keep distance between them and the oncoming defensive player.

The term can also be applied to help you manage your time and reduce interruptions to your productivity. Now, before I am accused of inciting violence in the workplace, let me clarify – this is figurative, and I am using an analogy. Stiff arming interruptions is a non-contact process of asking yourself some questions to prepare for any disruptions.

Preparing for interruptions might seem like a contradiction in terms. If you set up well enough, then there shouldn’t be interruptions. Right? All true, but that is only part of the equation. Interruptions will come no matter how well you plan. The kind of preparation we are discussing here is also preparing yourself to be negative, to keep distance between you and those who would keep from being productive.?You formulate a strategy that allows you to quickly place the burden back to the interrupter.

Based on this, there is a two-part nature of time optimized interruption prevention. Here are the first set of questions to ask and answer yourself. Typically, this is done at the beginning of the day or right before you embark on a focused task or project that requires minimal or no intrusions.

  • Do I have my calendar blocked off for this time?
  • Is this on my to-do list?
  • Have I negotiated protected time for this?
  • Have I informed the appropriate people about the need for protected time?
  • Have I turned off the necessary electronic devices? This will also help you with distractions as well.
  • Do I understand my alternatives, should I have to address the interruption?

Part-one should be relativity straight forward in a time optimized life. Part-two is more fluid. Here you want to prepare yourself for what you will do if you are interrupted during that critical focus time.

  • ?Am I ready to ask, “Sorry, can this please wait until later?”
  • Do I have alternative times planned on my calendar to reschedule?
  • Do I have questions ready to determine the seriousness of the intrusion?
  • Am I ready to push back?
  • Can I explain the challenges of what will happen if I do not get done with my work?

As the interruption happens, the questions start off by pushing the accountability back to the other person. The negative kicks in and comes back to you, to see if you are ready to push back if deflection does not work. Finally, you now seek to educate them on your priorities to see if they will and can adjust theirs.

There you have it. A plan for you to be ready to figuratively stiff arm your way to less interruptions and more focus, no contact required.


David Buck is the author of the book The Time-Optimized Life, owner of Kairos Management Solutions, LLC, and founder of the Infinity Lifestyle Design program. As a certified professional retirement coach (CPRC), David works with financial services providers helping their clients create a post-career lifestyle strategy. To learn more, contact him at [email protected] or visit Infinity Lifestyle Design.

Zahmoul El Mays

Attorney At Law at CIVIL COURT CASES

2 年

Great

David Buck

| Time Management Expert | Revenue Catalyst | Driving Success through Strategic Planning & Execution | Author of "The Time-Optimized Life" |

2 年

Take the Time Management Analysis (TMA) and get a free summary report that lets you see where you can stiff arm in other areas. #timemanagement #timeoptimize #personaldevelopment

David Buck

| Time Management Expert | Revenue Catalyst | Driving Success through Strategic Planning & Execution | Author of "The Time-Optimized Life" |

2 年

#timeoptimize your #timemanagement

Keith J. McNally

I specialize in facilitating discussion by bringing like-minded people together to create real impact | Amazon New Release Best Seller | Walking the Path - A Leader's Journey | GoFundMe

2 年

Dave Buck, time management is so important to high levels of productivity.

要查看或添加评论,请登录

David Buck的更多文章

  • Twenty Thousand Leagues of Email: Part 1

    Twenty Thousand Leagues of Email: Part 1

    Part 1 of a 2-part article As the meeting was wrapping up, the subject of emails creeped into the conversation…

    14 条评论
  • The Power of Crafting a Nonfinancial Legacy

    The Power of Crafting a Nonfinancial Legacy

    This article first appeared in Rethinking65 As with generational wealth transfer, a well-planned nonfinancial legacy…

    2 条评论
  • A.S.K. For Better Time Optimization

    A.S.K. For Better Time Optimization

    Early in my sales career it was hammered into me that I needed to know the products I represented. Lacking knowledge of…

    8 条评论
  • Breaking Meeting Marathons to Optimize Time

    Breaking Meeting Marathons to Optimize Time

    Recently I attended two types of meetings on the same day, that were night and day from each other. The first was a…

    8 条评论
  • Downsizing in a Digital Age

    Downsizing in a Digital Age

    Modern retirees overwhelmed by physical and digital clutter are less likely to have the time and money to enjoy the…

    7 条评论
  • My Battle with Time and Pressure

    My Battle with Time and Pressure

    I have learned heat and pressure over time can create a diamond, the same does not apply to humans who are trying to…

    5 条评论
  • Stop Over Committing Yourself

    Stop Over Committing Yourself

    As the meeting wrapped up, the facilitator began to go through the various items that needed to be followed from what…

    5 条评论
  • Time Flying Does Not Mean Better Time

    Time Flying Does Not Mean Better Time

    Time flies when you are having fun. I have said this many times in my life.

  • Time Opportunities of Reverse Mentoring

    Time Opportunities of Reverse Mentoring

    As I get older, I find myself dispensing more advice to those younger than me. Obviously, some of it is intentional…

    8 条评论
  • Post-Career Anger Management

    Post-Career Anger Management

    William was a highly successful business professional, having a long and satisfying career. He worked with his last…

    2 条评论

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了