Big Bossy Cow-The Dangers of Interruption

Posted by: Carol in Workplace Insights


Big Bossy Cow!!!!! That is how I feel when someone interrupts me.
  
BUT-I am really guilty of interrupting others.  This article by my friend and college Ivy Meadors of High Tech High Touch Solutions really got me thinking so I wanted to share it with you.

 

How Do You Feel When Someone Interrupts You?

Interruption one of my pet peeves. I have been known to make the same mistake too - all of us do, from time to time. There are people who do it constantly though, and no matter how often they are called on it, they don't modify the behavior.

It is not only inconsiderate and disrespectful, it can damage your communication efforts. Groups of people who do not listen to one another are hurting the team... risk having a negative impact on handling a situation correctly.

It seems some people prefer to talk over one another constantly, or simply do not pay attention to what their colleagues or customers are trying to talk with them about. Sometimes, this is an ego-centric issue. In other cases, it is a behavioral thing. For instance, people who have ADHD tend to interrupt more often because their brain works differently. Some people don't even think about the fact they are interrupting others, until it is pointed out to them. The younger generations are pros at interrupting. They need direction to understand the importance of changing this behavior.

If you, or your team members, tend to interrupt people, you can start training today to modify this behavior using a cell phone. Since the wireless systems have a small delay in the signal (latency), you can use that as a "timer" to remind you to pause longer. Try to avoid interrupting the people you speak to on your cell phone and you will likely see an improvement in how often you interrupt others.

You've probably watched programs who have someone on a remote video conference call over satellite (i.e. Anderson Cooper, Oprah) and noticed how they have learned to wait for an answer instead of talking over one another.  Try waiting to hear the other person's' response before speaking. You will have a much better exchange of information and your listener will feel like you have more respect for them and are interested in what they have to say. You'll be surprised what you will "hear".

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