I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting…

I am also working coing and this implies concentration as much as possible. Coders needs to think of all posible cases that their code should cover….. and I tell you it is really hard to think of all different combinations and posible inputs that your code should work with, if you have a lot of people talking arround and asking you questions.
I am not only coding, but sometimes specifying algorithms and procedures that should be coded by others… Again this requires a high level of concentration.

I follow myself some of Brett`s suggestions, but I would say that the one that works best for me is using headsets… I work in an open cubicle, and it is a pain in the ass to try to concentrate if someone is coming to ask you or some of your work colleagues.
The “body language”, I dont need to fake any position, I simply adopt a normal thinker position if I am concentrated…. I can understand perfectly that if someone needs to know something and you look relaxed then they will feel free to ask you…..

Well… . I would like to see more suggestions here…. in the topic of doing multitasking… e.g. what to do when you have different tasks assigned or different nature….. how to deal with them in the most effective way.

For those of you interested in reading the Dale Carnegie book I mentioned above, let me suggest the following: Take one principle and practice it for a week. For example, the first principle is “Don’t critize, condemn, or complain.” Put it in bright font on your next actions list and on one of your hipster note cards and lean it up against your monitor’s base. Use the marquee screen saver and type it there as well.Every time you start a conversation, remind yourself of this principle.

Next week, move to principle 2 and practice that one. And so one. Remember, you want to change your behavior. It’s not enough to KNOW you shouldn’t criticize, you have to become SKILLED at it, which requires continual practice.
Let me beat that dead horse one more time and say that practicing these principles WILL make you more productive in business and social situations.

Regards,

Glenn

I work in a high school so, as you can imagine, interruptions are par for the course as we have students with issues or students who believe that they have issues. Learning how to shift modes and handle frequent interruptions comes with the territory so to a certain extent I expect it.

One thing I am committed to, though (and the secretaries here know this as well), is that a kid in crisis takes priority over anything else. After all, I work for students and teachers. I can call the superintendent back, but nothing alienates a kid — especially at the high school age — more than someone who they perceive as not caring about them as a person.

I will pick up the book – I’ve heard a lot about it over the years so it may be time to give it a read.

I like your blog. I like many of your suggestions, especially the sign. If you really want to make a point, get some of the Caution tape (aka crime scene tape) they sell at Lowes or Home Depot and stretch it across your cubical opening (if you have a cube). That’s what they do at Target corporate. It’get’s the point across in a humorous way.

I agree with Jon both about the dangers of making “global” statements and appearing rude to your co-workers. Some employees have internal and external customers and your suggestion, without qualifiers, have less value for them.

It’s great to have a job where you can be task-focused. Many jobs, though are people-focused, yet each contains a little of aspect of the other. Even people who have the luxury of being task-focused need to pay attention to the relationships they build with others at all levels of the org chart. That co-worker who continually interrupts you may be your boss one day.

In the case of serial interrupters, I would suggest something like this: (smile)” Linda, I’d love to talk to you now, but I’m afraid I’ll lose my focus at what is turning out to be a key point in my work. Are your questions “show-stoppers?” (She’ll ask you what that means. Explain that you’re asking if she needs an answer because her show, or project, has stopped, awaiting that answer. She’ll probably say no. Then say, “Could you e-mail your questions to me? I’ll get back to you by 4:00 today.” Or ask her if she wants to schedule an appt at a time convenient to both of you. Watch your body language, be open. Conceal your irritation. Repeat this each day until she gets the message. Be firm, but fair, and listen to understand her needs. But don’t be a victim.

Even in a task-focused environment, relationships are important. If you want to get promoted out of your position, the non-tech career track may be closed off to you if you don’t play well with your co-workers. Even advancing up the tech side will be challenging. If there’s an open position above that you want and it comes down to you and another person equally talented at coding, then the tie is probably going to be broken in favor of the one who relates best to his or her co-workers.

When you’re tired of reading David Allen, read Dale Carnegie’s, “How To Win Friends And Influence People.” Practice the principles on your co-workers, friends, and family. You’ll be surprised how much productive and fun life is.

Regards,

Glenn