If they persist, give them an ultimatum: "You rudely interrupt me. I've tolerated this them in the past; however, I need for it to stop now." Eventually when they finally realize you're not paying their game, they will stop, and even pretend to be offended. Later they will return with respect. Hopefully, with a new awareness of their behavior. But don't hope. 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. It?s attractive. It?s renewing to them as much as it is to you. There?s only one suggestion -- get them to change their office to reflect the same. Then they will not want to leave their office.

Tip 7: If you frequently are trapped behind your desk. Plan and explore various escape routes and methods. You might want to rearrange the furniture to that allows escape routes.

Tip 8: Discourage squatters. If your interruptions are due to people consistently coming in and just sitting and talking, remove the empty chairs. Place them outside your office.

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 maintains your thought rhythm, acknowledges them, and allows them to make a choice based on their time.

Tip 10: Many ways for handling, interruptions at work can also apply at home. Here?s one that works well.

Name a "personal spot". An area you can call your own. It can be a den, sewing room, shed, or an extra bedroom. If you have children, give them the same opportunity.

Purchase a clock sign at the office supply store -- the type retailer?s use on their front doors--to indicate what time you will emerge. Add a white board for notes. A magnetic board works well for smaller children. Create magnets for each family member: "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 them into overdrive. It helps them, yet disrupts others. It is a habit that gets them to move past their own procrastination and get their tasks completed. This behavior causes stress-related illness. This can be an addictive behavior sometimes disguised "workaholicism."

Catherine Franz, is a certified life and business coach specializing in marketing and writing, Internet and infoproduct development. For other articles, and ezines: http://www.AbundanceCenter.com

catherine@abundancecenter.com