Assuming that you have a results-driven To Do list, and you’re on top of managing your work, you’re prepared to climb mountains and soar! If that sounds a bit too energetic, then you’re at least prepared to accomplish more work and deliver prioritized results. Right?
Well, maybe not. But only because the rest of the world doesn’t recognize the new you. It seems that everyone you know has something for you to do–something that’s not on your “To Do” list.
Associates and employees are constantly demanding your attention. Hardly a moment goes by without someone stopping you with a question or buzzing you with a request. Even the boss has “a few things” for you to handle. How can you possibly accomplish your “To Do” list with all these interruptions? You can! But, of course, you can only if you handle the interruptions first. Here’s what Ziggets recommends:
When someone asks for your time or attention, whether that person be a peer, employee, or the boss, there are a few things you can do.
First, ask yourself if this request influences your goals. If it does, you may determine its priority is greater than what you are currently doing. But if it doesn’t influence your goals, tell the person what is already on your schedule.
Ask what they need and when they need it. Tell them what you can do, based on your “To Do” list. Always provide reasons why you can’t do something immediately. Give an explanation why now is not the time for you to handle something new.
Provide alternatives. Suggest a time when you can get to their request. Be firm and kind. You are not obligated to follow every request for your time.
What if it’s your boss who’s making the request?
Not a problem. Let the boss know what you’re currently working on and ask the boss what priority he/she places on the request, knowing what’s currently on your list. Many times a boss will decide your current “To Do” list is more important than handling a new request or series of requests.
Always remember to ask yourself what is important; what activity will deliver the desired results? By focusing on the results, you’ll have less difficulty determining your priorities, and less difficulty accomplishing your work.
Now, go climb that mountain!
The Management Zigget includes eight lessons that you can teach yourself and share with your associates. Each lesson can be taught within 30 minutes. Great for “brown bag lunches.”
For more on the subject of how to be successful, read Zig’s popular book, “Success for Dummies,” published by IDG Books. It’s at your bookstore, and it’s also available from http://www.zigziglar.com.
