I’m often asked, “How can I do it all, when I’m constantly interrupted?” Boy, do I know that feeling. Parents need you, teachers need you, and then there’s the call from the central office. Many days are nothing but a carousel of constant interruptions.
BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY EVERY DAY!
With my coaching clients, I often advise them that an open door policy is a good policy, but that doesn’t mean that your door has to be open all day long. It means that you need to have time where you are available when people need you, but not at the expense of getting the work done.
SO HOW DO YOU HAVE AN OPEN DOOR POLICY WHEN YOUR DOOR IS CLOSED?
Let’s be honest, you close your door when you have meetings, and you don’t allow interruptions then. Do the same for yourself. Identify blocks of time where you close your door and work in silence with the door closed. Think of it as meeting with yourself. Tell your administrative assistant that you are working on an important task, but that you are available if a big issue arises. But if it’s not a big issue, take a message and let them know you will get back with them later.
Time is important, and if you don’t protect time for yourself, someone will steal it from you. Close your door from time to time so that when it’s time for it to be open, you’ll be ready to receive them with an open door and an open mind.