In addition to interruptions in the form of phone calls to your  smartphone, you will also receive (of course) text messages to your smartphone. The same common responses we recommended in our last blog would apply; ‘Sorry I am not available. Can I call you later?’ –  ‘I am on a call right now, can I call you back in few minutes?’ – ‘I am going into a meeting, can I call you when I am out?’ Note: iPhone users are limited to three pre-formatted message (with an additional message you can customize for each response. Android users:  you can are note limited to three text responses, but can add as many as you find helpful.

Next to address; when you have already taken the call and are looking for the best way to handle it. Here are a couple of questions to ask and possible responses:

Is it necessary (and/or possible) to resolve interruption this minute? If it is, then just do it.

However, if you don’t have what you need to handle the interruptions at that moment, then it may be best to set a different time (and possibly a different date) to fully address.  Over the years, I have found most people are satisfied with this option provided you schedule it and then are prepared at that time.  The meeting request feature in your Outlook or Google Calendar is a great way to “lock in” the date/time and the other party can then confirm the follow up by the acceptance of your meeting.

More to share on this topic next week, Lord willing.

Questions or comments? Just email me steve@turnertimemanagement.com or call/text me at 630-774-7944