I get interrupted. A lot. It’s been that way for years. I started my professional career as Donor Relations Coordinator at West Texas A&M University, it was so very quiet and there were days I wouldn’t interact with more than one or two people. It was quiet and secluded, and I really struggled. When I first transferred to the athletic department at WT, it was like a whole new world opened up. There were people buzzing around everywhere, there was so much energy and there was always someone to visit with. I was so very happy and thriving.
Then, as the years went on, and my responsibilities grew, I began to see the interruptions as an irritation. There was always something to do. The stress and pressure of so many things going on at once began to wear me down a little. Somewhere along the way, I became task oriented and lost my orientation towards people. I started to resent the interruptions because, “I had things to do.” Sweet friends people are the purpose, they are the entire reason we are on this planet. We are here to interact with and love on other people. We are not here to complete tasks. It’s part of it, yes, but it’s secondary. I had made it primary.
I know, to many of you professionals, what I am saying seems counterintuitive. I’m not talking about taking coffee breaks with people to chat about their life, yes that’s part of it too, but not the primary. I’m talking about investing in people. Prioritizing people. Taking the time to listen to them and help them out whenever you can. When someone enters your office, give them your full attention. Stop what you are doing and focus on them. They are the entire reason you are here, that spreadsheet is not your purpose, people are. You will not be remembered nearly as much for what you did as you will for how you made people feel. Empower those around you, encourage them, inspire them and then return to your task.
I have three principles written on my white board: 1) win the day 2) prioritize people 3) value the process. Prioritizing people is not always easy when there is much to do but I promise the pay off is worth any extra time it takes to refocus on the task. Don’t treat people as an interruption. Be careful not to be so task oriented that you forget to serve those around you. Much love and good interactions sweet friends.
