The following top 10 workplace distractions cost billions of dollars in productivity every year and distract us from staying on course to our best lives and biggest impact. Often, we do these with the best of intentions, but they impact our leadership effectiveness as well as the impact that we are trying to create! It's gut check time!
1) Over-communication: Staying too in touch often aided by Blackberry's sets an expectation to be constantly "plugged in". Except for the rare, real emergencies, we should not be checking or expecting others to do so during "off" hours.
2)
E-mail: See Tip #1(Your Success Weekly,5/11)
3) "The Egomaniac Boss" - Business Week used this term for the boss who tells you all about what their children are doing or about what is happening to them. They may feel that they are building rapport, but the truth is that others are just being polite - and non-productive! Remember that rapport is built by asking others what is going on with them!
4) Loud Co-workers - Take your voice down a notch or two! Remember the power of the EF Hutton whisper.
5) Layoff / Survivor Stress (See May e-Zine, 5/5)
6) The "Walk-up", "Drive-by" or "Fly-Over" - Not being behind a closed door does not equal "Please interrupt me, as I am not really doing anything here!" Assuming that your time is more important than that of others is a huge blind spot for bosses. Interrupting people is not OK. If you need them, call or email and ask "when would it be a good time for us to connect for 5 - 10 minutes?" If you walk over to ask them that in person, it is too late as you have already interrupted them! Interrupting others is a big egomaniac tipoff!
7) Unnecessary Meetings or Over-inviting Attendees - Use them sparingly.
8) Intimidation - Over-venting frustrations in the workplace is intimidating and disrupted to others, especially if you are a leader. Vent in your car on your way home!
9) Web Surfing - More than 25% of managers and 15% of senior execs identify this as the top workplace distraction. Good news is that it is one of the easiest for you to make sure that you do not do!
10) Personal Calls - Limit the number and only take or make personal calls outside or behind closed doors. To do so in the midst of others is again considered to be part of the egomaniac boss's profile!
