If constant distractions at work keep you from achieving your big picture goals, then you may want to turn to your local TV news station for some inspiration.
Go into any TV station and you?re likely to see the same sign. You?ll find it located just above the closed door of the studio, where programs, like the news, are broadcast. The sign says, ?On Air.?
You can?t miss the sign because it lights up whenever program are being broadcast or recorded. While station maintenance may lag in other areas, the bulbs in the sign are always replaced immediately.
In a place filled with highly charged, Type-A performers and extroverts, everyone understands the meaning of the sign. You are to stay out of the studio or if you need to go in, you need to do so as quietly as possible.
This is an important message as noise in a studio can easily be picked up by microphones. Trying to be on television while distractions are happening is also very challenging. The viewer at home will notice that something is wrong.
The takeaway here is that TV people have no problem with controlling distractions in the studio. They don?t apologize for it. They don?t feel the need to explain the policy. In fact, during my TV news career, I don?t think anyone ever did. It was something you immediately understood and respected.
[ctt tweet=”TV stations don’t apologize for limiting #distractions. http://ctt.ec/U9JXe+” coverup=”U9JXe”]
Why is it that businesses don?t set up their own ?on air? zones? Many leaders are afraid that that closing their door to distractions isn?t seen as “nice” or that they?ll miss something important.
In terms of appearing less than nice, I never remember anyone in TV apologizing for setting this kind of boundary or anyone being upset by its limitations. There was a clear understanding of the stakes.
In your world, do people understand the importance of your productive time and why access to you should not be a constantly moving, revolving door?
Those who are afraid of missing something, should remember that the TV station sign didn?t say, ?Don?t ever come in,? but rather it ensured that entry had to be for something important.
If you want your team to stop distracting you during the times when you must tackle your most important tasks, then you need to clearly create understood boundaries. Turn off the phone, close the door, or make a sign. Otherwise, prepare to get less done.
Distractions at work can also turn otherwise effective leaders into firefighters and babysitters. To find out more about this phenomenon, click here.
