SNHU 107
Module Ten- Discussion
Southern New Hampshire University
Interruptions is an interesting topic. On one hand, it is easy to review a “day in the life” and
look back on interruptions and point to things outside my control such as a critical phone call or
business demand that was not expected. These are things that you must simply learn how to
deal with and adjust on the fly to ensure all deliverables are completed. However, there are
likely an equal number of interruptions that are self-started. What I mean by this, is that there
is a distraction that creates the interruption that I might have triggered. It’s easy to see a
notification for an e-mail or text come up and think that you can just quickly respond and get
back to the task at hand. It is a slippery slope. One e-mail can lead to one more and so on. The
other major cause of a schedule interruption is a meeting running late and wreaking havoc on
the rest of a well-planned days.
I employ a few techniques to help control the interruptions that I trigger. First, is working while
my computer is off-line. With no active internet, I do not see notifications and can stay focused
on the work at hand. Second, I try to have my schedule managed to not have any back-to-back
meetings. I will move things to start or end on the quarter hour, building some overflow time in
the schedule. Lastly, when I facilitate a meeting that has risk of running long, I tend to ask
someone to be our timekeeper and someone to be our scribe. Assigning these roles helps to
keep the overall meeting on schedule and we have the benefit of more comprehensive notes.
I would have to say what interrupts my schedule the most would be my three dogs! ( American
Staffordshire Terriers) I love them like my children! They require a lot of exercise, so they keep
me moving! My husband does help with them. We also board two horses which requires most of
my mornings working.
Since I decided to get my degree, I have put aside more time in the afternoons and evenings to
study. Things are still sometimes hectic but with the help of my other half, I have found a more
efficient schedule with giving me more study time!
Balancing everybody and everything on my lists is challenging,at times. I have to keep trying
and moving towards my goals, everyday!
