Keep Your Desk Clear

If you want to stay focused, keep your desk clear. Do others listen? Not always! It happens to the best of us. Picture this. You’re sitting at your desk, minding your own business. Then, suddenly one of your co-workers comes by and tries to put their stuff on it. Maybe they’re dropping off a report or asking you to cut costs. Whatever the case, it can be frustrating when you feel like your co-workers are constantly encroaching on your personal space. But don’t worry. You can do a few things to keep your desk clear and avoid feeling overwhelmed by other people’s stuff.

1. Be proactive and set boundaries from the start. 

Is someone in the office prone to putting their stuff on your desk? Have a conversation with them about it. Explain that you prefer to keep your desk clear and ask them to respect your wishes. If they continue to put their stuff on your desk after you’ve asked them not to, you can talk to your boss or HR about setting up some boundaries.

2. Get a file organizer. 

A file organizer is a great way to keep your things organized and make it less inviting for others to put their stuff on your desk. Invest in an excellent file organizer with labels, and people can put their papers in the file. This information sits in this category until you are ready to tackle the subject. No category? Perhaps it doesn’t belong to you, and they should go elsewhere. That way, when someone tries to put something on your desk, there’s a way to keep it organized out of your immediate work surface.  

3. Don’t be afraid to say no. 

Sometimes the best way to keep your desk clear is simply by saying no when someone tries to put their stuff on it. It can be uncomfortable initially, but standing up for yourself will convey that you will not tolerate having your personal space invaded. Plus, it’ll make it easier for you to say no the next time someone tries to put their stuff on your desk.

Conclusion

Annoying co-workers who try to put their stuff on your desk can be a real pain, but there are steps you can take to avoid feeling overwhelmed by other people’s stuff. By being proactive and setting boundaries from the start, getting a desk organizer, and saying no when necessary, you can keep your desk clear and maintain control of your personal space. Would you like to talk about this and more about protecting your boundaries? Please apply for a free consultation here.  

Work Interruptions (from the Boss!)

Work interruptions from your boss can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that they’re the boss for a reason. They may not always be correct, but they are in a position of authority, and you need to respect that. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you have to put up with being interrupted all the time. Here are a few tips on handling interruptions from your boss in a way that will be respectful and professional.

Try to stay calm

It can be easy to get frazzled when you’re trying to concentrate on a task, and your boss keeps interrupting you. However, staying calm is essential, and not letting your emotions get the better of you. If you feel angry, take a deep breath and count to 10 before responding. This will help you keep calm and avoid saying something you’ll regret later.

Be respectful

Even if you disagree with what your boss is saying, it’s essential to be respectful. If you’re disrespectful, it will only make the situation worse and damage your relationship with your boss. Instead, try to calmly offer an alternative solution.

Don’t take it personally.

It’s easy to feel annoyed by work interruptions because they don’t think you can do your job correctly. However, this is probably not the case. Most likely, they’re just busy and easily distracted. Try not to take their interruptions personally and focus on completing the task as efficiently as possible.

Here are 10 Things Employees can Say When the Boss Keeps Interrupting

1. I’m sorry for snapping. I’m just really frustrated right now.

Don’t snap or say you’re frustrated! Walk away and calm down.

2. Can you please give me a few minutes to finish what I’m working on?

When it comes to all work interruptions, be specific. “Can we reconnect in 10 minutes? I’m working on our strategy for increasing sales.”

3. I understand you’re busy, but can you please schedule a time to talk with me?

It would be great if we could briefly check in to discuss today’s big priorities.

4. I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but I can’t talk now.

Don’t apologize. Can we reconnect in 10 minutes? I’m working on our strategy for cutting expenses.”

5. What’s the urgency? Can this wait until I’m finished with what I’m working on?

“This morning, we agreed today’s big priority was ABC. Should we push that off until tomorrow, so we prioritize XYZ?”

6. Could you please come back later? I’m in the middle of something important.

“Can we reconnect in 10 minutes? I’m working on our strategy for increasing sales.”

7. Let me stop what I’m doing, and we can talk.

Mindfully get up and leave your workstation. Spaces matter. This visual shows them that their interruption is stopping you from working.

8. Is there something you need from me urgently?

“This morning, we agreed today’s big priority was ABC. Should we push that off until tomorrow, so we prioritize XYZ?”

9. Could you please tell me what the priority is?

It would be great if we could briefly check in to discuss today’s big priorities.

10. What’s your timeframe?

That is fine. But remind them of other priorities and reshuffle them together.

Conclusion

Dealing with work interruptions from your boss can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that they’re the boss for a reason. Stay calm, be respectful, and don’t take it personally. If you follow these tips, you should be able to handle any interrupts from your boss in a way that is both professional and respectful. Would you like to talk more about this? Please use this link to apply for a free consultation.

Work Interruptions (from the co-workers!)

DBE Series 10

How can I get people in my company to stop coming in and bothering me?

This is a question that I get a lot, and I know that it might ruffle some feathers. First of all, I also wrote an article about the boss interrupting you. That’s entirely different if you’re the admin working in the back office.

Continue reading “Work Interruptions (from the co-workers!)”
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