The simplest tool to help you focus on work is a red tag with DO NOT DISTURB written in bold.
When you need to focus, leave it on your desk, or hook it to the back of your chair or cabin door so it is visible to anyone approaching you. Use it when you are working on a critical task or working in sprints. On average, our ability to focus is 30-40 mins. Depending on your nature of work, you may use it for 50 to 60% of your working hours.
DND RULES
- Turn off desktop and mobile notifications
- Unhook your desk phone if required
- Do not answer unnecessary calls on your mobile
- Dont talk to, solicit info, slip a reminder note to someone on DND unless urgent
- Maintain silence around the DND tag
Stick the above rules prominently in your office common area. They may seem obvious, but putting them out there serves 3 main purposes:
- Reminds people to work with focus
- Establishes the sanctity of the DND tag
- Ensures those who use it are not ridiculed (for whatever reason)
It is effective because of its simplicity. It can be scaled to teams and organizations without excessive training. And after repeated use, you’ll subconsciously slip into focus mode when your tag is on.