Imagine this, a co-worker enters your office and says: "Cathy, could I talk with you for a minute? I'm having a real problem with...." You glance at your watch and think of the report thats due in an hour. What do you do?

What would happen if you were Cathys supervisor?

Lets continue. You're cooking dinner, starting to destress, the food preparation timing is coming together-- for once--and your mother calls: "Could we talk? Its important. I need someone to talk to?" What do you say?

What we would like to say and what we end up doing is usually two different things. Good news, tactfully saying no is a learned skill. It requires know-how and practice. Lets talk about ten how-tos and alternatives that can help you practice.

Tip 1:   There are three parts to meshing a "no, but not no" response. The first part acknowledges and empathizes. The second part gives a situation statement. In the third, and last, part is an action statement.

An example of an empathy or acknowledgment statement: "Sam, I'm sure this problem is important."

Next, add the second part, a situation statement. For instance: "I'm working on a report that I promised to have completed within the next hour."

The third part, an action statement, needs to describe what you will do or offer as an alternative: "Lets get together after I've completed my report. How about 2 PM this afternoon in your office?"

Instead of saying no directly, you have said no without saying no.

Tip 2:     What if its your supervisor interrupting you? What do you do? Heres how to mesh the three parts into a no, without any further interruption, and into a win for both.

Sandy, your supervisor enters, "Lisa, I hate to interrupt you, but we have a real problem in the field, I need to talk with you right away. Could I see you in my office?"

First, the acknowledgment statement: "Sandy, I'm sure this is an important problem." Second, the situation segment: "I'm working on that report you requested by noon." Third, adding the action: "Would you like me to defer the report until 3 PM [its imperative to offer an exact time] so we can meet now? Or would you like me to complete this and then come to your office?" This response allows your supervisor to see your perspective and situation and to make a decision.

Tip 3:    Discouraging professional interrupters. These professionals make a career out of interrupting. They start talking and don't stop. They go on and on and when they finally stop to catch a breath, and you get to say something, they interrupt a few minutes later. How do you handle these?

Movement is the key. If cornered behind your desk, stand up, and move. If you are already standing up, begin walking out. If sitting down, stand up. You can also change momentum by dropping something or turning sideways. Reach for something that has nothing to do with the conversation or excuse yourself to the restroom.

Interrupt in the same manner they use with you. Its okay, they do it because it appears normal to them even if it feels brash to you. Here are a few template statements: "Where is this leading?" "Whats your point, I've gotten lost in what I think is the trivia?" "You have jumped around so much on topics, I don't know which one to address."

Its important to practice patience throughout this process. Professional interrupters don't usually hear you the first few times you ask your question. If need be, become a broken record. Continue to ask again until they do hear you. Identify what is it about their communication style or interruption process that annoys you. Provide this feedback and communicate your preferred style of being interrupted in a positive manner.

Tip 4:    What about the few that don't get your hints or listen to what you are saying? Sometimes they even follow you down the hall or talk "at" you instead of "with" you? This is a rude interrupter. Be firm, direct, and abrupt. If they appear to be bruised, don't let it bother you. They will not take what you said personally even if they say so. Their "taken-aback" expression is just for show. Actually, it is a form of manipulation. Don't play and don't apologize.

If they persist go ahead and give them an ultimatum: "You rudely interrupt me. I've tolerated this in the past; however, it has to stop NOW." When they finally realize you are not playing their game, they will stop. They will either totally avoid you in the future or return with respect. Generally, they will return with a new awareness about themselves. When they do, accept their apology. But don't count on it. And if they don't return, you haven't lost anything.

Tip 5:   If you can, keep doing what you are doing. Look up, smile, point to a notepad and pen, and then return to what you were doing.

Tip 6:    Sometimes the position of your furniture invites interruptions. Especially if your office is beautifully designed, or contains natural ingredients, like plants. Others want to be around this energy. Its attractive. Its renewing to them as much as it is to you. Theres only one suggestion when this occurs. Suggest that they change their office to reflect a similar energy. Afterwards, they will not want to leave their office as easily.

Tip 7:    If you frequently get trapped behind your desk. Plan and practice various escape routes and methods. Again, consider rearranging the furniture to allow for escape routes.

Tip 8:    Discourage squatters. If your interruptions are due to people consistently coming in and just sitting and talking, remove any empty chairs. Place them outside your office so they are available when needed but not too close to the door that they can easily be dragged in when someone enters.

Tip 9:    Do people wait for you to get off a phone call? Place a sign on the desk: "If I'm on a phone call, please leave me a note. I'll check back with you as soon as I'm off the phone."

An alternative: Train others in a silent hand code. Use your fingers to indicate how long you are going to be. One index finger explains that you will be off the phone in a minute or two, please stay. Full hand with a wave says, "I don't know how long and I'll get back to you." This silent code allows you to continue your focus, acknowledges them, and also allows them to make a decision on their time.

Tip 10:     Many of these ways for handling interruptions at work can also apply at home. Here is one that transfers well.

Name a "personal spot." An area you can call your own. It can be a den, sewing room, shed, or an extra bedroom. This means this spot makes you off limits to interruptions. If you have children, explain to them what interruption means, why you need some personal space, and give them the same opportunity and courtesy.

Purchase a clock sign at the office supply store -- the same type retailers use on their front doors -- to indicate what time you will be available again. Or you could add a white board so they can write their note. Like college students use on their dorm room doors. A magnetic board would work well for younger or smaller children. Create magnets for each family member that they can move to a spot already written: "Bobby wants you."

The Other Side Of The Coin

The other side of this perspective is using interruptions to boost productivity. People sometimes use interruptions to push themselves into overdrive. This helps some people while it disrupts others. This habit gets them to move past their own procrastination habits to complete their tasks. This need can also be an addictive behavior sometimes disguised as "workaholicism."