Stop Distracting Your Employees
| Do you expect an immediate response from your employees when you ping them? Do you ask for regular status updates, or send “just wanted to make sure you saw my last email” emails? Do you plan check-ins around your schedule without considering your employees’ needs? If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you’re distracting your team rather than encouraging their best work. These strategies can help you change your ways. * Open a safe dialogue. Only when people feel safe discussing their workplace problems will you be able to find solutions for them. Work on improving psychological safety on your team so people don’t fear they’ll be punished for airing their concerns. * Schedule-sync with your employees. Ask when they generally like to answer emails and messages, do focused work, or join meetings. You can also try designating some distraction-free periods each day—times when there’s no expectation to answer messages or attend meetings across your team. * Don’t hold meetings without an agenda. Requiring an agenda keeps everyone on track and cuts down on unnecessary meetings by requiring the organizer to put in a bit of effort in advance. * Set an example. Make time for focused work yourself. Let people know when you’re available, and don’t interrupt others during their focused work or off-hours. |
| This tip is adapted from “Managers, Stop Distracting Your Employees,” by Nir Eyal |
