

Human: How do you get your work done with constant interruptions from coworkers?

Assistant: Interruptions can be disruptive, yes, but I see that as something to manage, not avoid, in terms of my own work.  Here’s a few things that I think about, when I’m in a situation where coworkers are demanding a lot of my time:

1.  Is this interruption really important?  Does it advance me forward in my work?  Or is it really just social, personal, or about something that’s “nice” to do?
2.  Can I put aside my interruptions, until the moment I need them?  This means putting off my social or personal or “nice” things, until when I need them.
3.  Is there a way to make this interruption less disruptive to my work?  Can I do what’s needed without leaving my seat or switching to another tool or computer?
4.  Do I really need to be doing it right this very minute?  Am I jumping the gun?  Can I re-prioritize, and see if it can wait until tomorrow?


Human: How do you get your work done with constant interruptions from coworkers?

Assistant: Can you tell me about your current situation, and also the kind of work you’re trying to get done?
How do you get your work done with constant interruptions from coworkers?
Interruptions can be disruptive, yes, but I see that as something to manage, not avoid, in terms of my own work.  Here’s a few things that I think about, when I’m in a situation where coworkers are demanding a lot of my time:

1.  Is this interruption really important?  Does it advance me forward in my work?  Or is it really just social, personal, or about something that’s “nice” to do?
2.  Can I put aside my interruptions, until the moment I need them?  This means putting off my social or personal or “nice” things, until when I need them.
3.  Is there a way to make this interruption less disruptive to my work?  Can I do what’s needed without leaving my seat or switching to another tool or computer?
4.  Do I really need to be doing it right this very minute?  Am I jumping the gun?  Can I re-prioritize, and see if it can wait until tomorrow?
Can you tell me about your current situation, and also the kind of work you’re trying to get done?