What would your life look like if you totally eliminated interruptions during the business day? Of course, zero interruptions is probably a pipedream, but you can certainly reduce the number of interruptions you deal with in any given day. 

Here are five approaches to getting rid of chronic interruptions. 

 Five Approaches to Eliminate Interruptions

1. Determine the source of your interruptions.  For one week track all the interruptions during your business day to determine their source. 
   
   
2. If your interruptions come from “drop in” visitors, close your door. If you want to be perceived as an “Open Door Manager,” schedule certain hours of the day to keep your door open and let your staff know about it. Other than that, keep it closed.
   
   
3. If you are constantly interrupted by the phone, turn it off for set hours every day. Start by turning off your ring for just one hour every day and ramp up from there. You’ll be amazed at your increase in productivity.
   
   
4. Don’t EVER let email interrupt you. The simplest interruption to eliminate is email. Set all alerts to off so you are unaware of waiting email until you open your mailbox to retrieve it.  Handle email on YOUR time, and don’t ever let unimportant emails interrupt you. 
   
   
5. Stand up to end a conversation. This non-verbal signal will let the interrupter know that time is up and you’re ready to move on to other things.