It's true confession time. Do you typically expect employees to stop whatever they're doing whenever you come to them with a need, a want, or some other item on your agenda? Do you ever conduct meetings that are less-than-productive due to a lack of planning or organization on your part? If you answered yes to either (or both) of those questions, I've got three words for you: STOP DOING IT! You're wasting one of the most precious resources your people have: their time.
I know, I know. Of course there will be occasions when you have a truly pressing ("legitimate") need that must be addressed immediately. But far too often, leaders interrupt employees with issues that aren't all that significant or important – merely because they want to deal with them NOW and get them off their plates. That's just plain inconsiderate. And when it comes to unnecessary or poorly organized meetings in which little is accomplished – well, there's simply no excuse for those, period.
Your people have important work to do. If they didn't, they wouldn't be there. So, make sure your meetings are necessary and well-managed. And, the next time you feel the need to interrupt someone's activities, focus, and concentration, ask yourself: Is my issue really more important than what he or she is doing right now? If it is, proceed – if it isn't, wait…and schedule a more appropriate and convenient opportunity to chat.
Bottom line: if you don't respect your people's time, eventually they won't either. Then, everyone loses.
I know, I know. Of course there will be occasions when you have a truly pressing ("legitimate") need that must be addressed immediately. But far too often, leaders interrupt employees with issues that aren't all that significant or important – merely because they want to deal with them NOW and get them off their plates. That's just plain inconsiderate. And when it comes to unnecessary or poorly organized meetings in which little is accomplished – well, there's simply no excuse for those, period.
Your people have important work to do. If they didn't, they wouldn't be there. So, make sure your meetings are necessary and well-managed. And, the next time you feel the need to interrupt someone's activities, focus, and concentration, ask yourself: Is my issue really more important than what he or she is doing right now? If it is, proceed – if it isn't, wait…and schedule a more appropriate and convenient opportunity to chat.
Bottom line: if you don't respect your people's time, eventually they won't either. Then, everyone loses.
