HBR: Handle Distractions by Doing Nothing

HBR Management Tip of the Day for 19 Nov 10

How often does your day go according to plan? If you're like most people, your day is full of interruptions, distractions, and even surprises. Some of those twists and turns require you to react and adjust, but sometimes the best response is to do nothing. Otherwise, you can get wrapped up in trying to manage the distractions instead of letting them pass. For example, if someone interrupts you, it takes less time and energy to let him finish than it does to confront him about his rude behavior. This of course requires patience and restraint. Next time things don't go according to plan, before you jump out of your chair to react, take a deep breath and ask yourself whether it might save you time to do nothing at all.

(for a short article behind the blurb, see HBR Blog: Peter Bregman, "Not Enough Time? Try Doing Nothing")