Another keeper from my favorite blog Yewknee – a video Big Think interview with Jason Fried of 37signals – the company that makes basecamp and other web-based project efficiency software.
I don’t agree with everything in this video, ie. that manager’s roles are based on interrupting, but there are definitely some interesting assertions. The time it takes to ease into the work day is equated to the time it takes to fall asleep at night when you go to bed – it’s true, this takes some ramp-up (or wind-down) time, and so much of your day seems lost to this and other evil forces, like email…. Especially junk email (not naming any names – ruelala and giltgroup…) — though I’ve taken measures to take back control of my inbox.
As far as collaborative open-space offices, I’ve become hyper-aware of interrupting people, so I try to tread lightly when ‘collaborating.’ Sometimes the protocol is unclear; when can I just start talking to you vs. when is that totally jarring to your train of thought. This is a blurry line when you work with people you are such good friends with — I have to fight the urge to share all the random thoughts that pop into my head.
What do you guys think? Interruptions off-limits or do you like the free-for-all talking?
All in all this video should be watched by everyone, there are certainly some gems in here.
I agree that it can be very hard to get actual work done, when you are pulled from meeting to meeting and then produce deliverables. I like Fried’s idea around setting youself up to get things done when you’re busy, not stifle the organic conversations that will come up in a creative agency. I think communication is SO key to an open culture
I personally like the idea of sending an im saying “hey whats up can you talk?” without having to a) actually fully interrupt and b) schedule a time wasting meeting around it.
Bottom line though, if you’re busy and someone is interrupting you- tell them you’ll get to them when you’ve completed your thought/project. Just my two cents…