Say No to Interruptions

How to say no to interruptions!

Handling an interruption appropriately requires prioritisation. The prioritisation should

depend on the level of importance related to the interruption. Always remember that you

have the right to say no to an interruption – kindly but firmly. If you answer evasively you

risk setting vain hopes.

To say no requires a little training. Here are some ways to do it:

· I have so much on my list of assignments right now. I don’t know when I have time to

look at it, but I know somebody who might be able to help you.

· Of course I can help you. We just need to be aware that it will delay the other

assignment that we agreed I should solve.

· Thank you for thinking of me, but unfortunately I can’t help you.

· I don’t have the possibility to look at it before tomorrow, but maybe I can give you some

information that can help you along.

How to say no to your manager

When your manager gives you a new urgent assignment, which you believe is not important then

consider these options:

· Ask for help in prioritising the new assignment in relation to the rest of your assignments.

· Ask which of your assignments can wait/is less important.

· Come up with suggestions or alternatives like: “I can’t help you until next week. How about

that?”