10 STEPS to Taming Interruptions and Preventing Rework.

• Position: 10 STEPS

Behind meetings, interruptions and rework are the leading causes of wasted time for many GFOA members. Our poll showed that more than a quarter of respondents rated interruptions as the most annoying source of lost time at work--again, right behind meetings. Rework--when you have to do a task over again because it wasn't done right the first time--is pretty annoying as well and is a frequent consequence of interruptions.

Here is a checklist with 5 recommendations to minimize interruptions and 5 recommendations to avoid rework.

1 Designate physical no-interruption zones in your office. This could be dedicated physical space or an agreement to respect time blocked out on calendars as "no interruption."

2 Create checklists that describe critical but easily overlooked tasks for work processes that are interruption prone.

3 Adjust the settings on your electronic devices and apps to eliminate cues (beeps, lights, icons) to engage in low- or no-value activities.

4 Find ways to make using your devices and/or apps slightly more unreachable-just enough that checking them is no longer habitual but now takes conscious effort.

5 Create opportunities for the necessary occasional diversions from work that have less potential to degenerate into long periods spent on unproductive apps. Examples might be keeping an enjoyable book...