You need to apply that same thinking to your job. These selected tasks will always get preference when the pressure is on. You never let on that you are following Pareto's Law, she says, never allowing anyone to feel insignificant. Instead, you develop skills at friendly negotiating and proposing compromises. You also need to be willing to control interruptions while enhancing interactions.
Random interactions destroy concentration.
So it is the randomness you must reduce. Seek only to reduce the worst 30 percent of your interruptions,'' Ms. Nickerson says, so you can concentrate on the things that need your focused attention. Study your interruptions and look for patterns showing heavier interruptions at certain times of the day or month, at cyclical or seasonal events or interruptions invited by announcements you made, she suggests. Then create policies on when and why people should interact. Voice mail inquiries left by 10 a.m. will be answered by 4 p.m.'' or ''For help on using the new software, call the hot line or attend the clinics held daily at 9 a.m.'' Offer dedicated appointment times when you can offer the best service.