Browsing articles tagged with " phone calls"

Use A Talk File To Avoid Interrupting Others

Jan 28, 2011   //   by mark   //   Attack Blog, Interruptions, Office, Phone Calls, Productivity Tips, Time Management  //  2 Comments

One of the best time management tips I ever learned was the use of a “talk file.” If you communicate with a number of people on an on-going basis, you could label an index tab in your planning tool “talk file.” Then put a sheet of paper in that section for each person with whom you communicate.

As you are working during the day, thoughts will come to mind about issues you need to discuss with individuals in your file. Rather than call and interrupt those people on the spur of the moment (which is the natural inclination), jot the thought down under their name in your talk file. Begin to build a digest of issues for each person. This way, you will reduce the number of times you interrupt others; and, when you do talk, you won’t forget a thing! In addition, your peers will appreciate you even more.

Having a hard time ending an overlong phone call?

Jan 14, 2011   //   by mark   //   Attack Blog, Drop In Visitors, Interruptions, Phone Calls, Productivity Tips, Time Management  //  No Comments

Interrupt yourself! Try this. First, gain control of the conversation. Then in the middle of a sentence, abruptly stop talking, glance at your watch, and mention the time in an urgent manner. For example: “Oh! It’s three-fifty! I need to get going.” That’s all it takes.

Notice the technique. It’s honest and not threatening because it’s never rude to interrupt yourself. Plus, it puts you in control. It breaks the conversation politely so you can be on your way.

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