Having just read a column of hints on how to work smarter, I was struck by those that were aimed against interruptions. One is obvious, but not always possible. It is: close the door. That might work if you have a door. But in the open workspace environment of so many offices, it is not very realistic. We have all seen those "over the cubicle" commercials that are funny on screen, but very distracting in reality.
The second suggestion is to limit e-mail interruptions by creating an automatic response that says you will reply to e-mail messages only at certain times of the day. Eminently sensible, if e-mail interruptions clog your day and your work situation makes limiting responses possible. The telephone remains an insistent voice, so it is often necessary and satisfying to let voice mail be the first responder. Or is that only delaying the inevitable?
I actually enjoy personal interruptions since my coworkers often bring me ideas and challenges for my own work. I love searching for answers to their questions or tracking down a Bible quote that needs explaining. That, of course, is part of the nature of my rather undefined job as a Bible scholar. It is the very fluidity of my daily go-to-the-desk that makes it so much fun and so definitely beyond categorizing.
I know you are not all blessed with a job like mine. Many of you need to devise a little moat to protect work production. But as someone once said to me: "I treat each interruption as if it were Jesus calling"- (and now we need to add, e-mailing or knocking on the door.)
Do you think to say a quick prayer before you reach for that phone or open your e-mail? We need all the help we can get to make sure His needs are met through our responses. "Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." (Matthew 25:40)
That can be a helpful reminder on days that seem to be a long series of interruptions. And, In response to that question at the head of this blog, "May I interrupt?", I say, "Please do. I've been waiting for you." |