Yesterday, we discussed active, effective listening as a way to manage employee discussions. I also suggested control and closure techniques as a way to keep discussions in control, limit the time invested in them, and still meet both your needs and the needs of the people who work in your organization.
When an employee pops in unexpectedly and asks if you have a minute ... Sound familiar? State, "I have exactly five minutes to talk about this issue with you. If the discussion will take longer, we need to make an appointment."
A second way to address this pop-in behavior: "I can't talk with you now because I am working on a deadline. I'd like to talk with you when you can have my full attention. How about tomorrow at 10 a.m.?"
A third way to make the pop-in people feel cared about: when an employee arrives unannounced in your busy office, stand immediately; do not offer the person a seat, walk with them toward your door and out into the hallway, while asking about and addressing their question. Your purpose is to determine if it is really a quick question, or one that needs an appointment and more time.
If you determine the question needs more time, do number one or two.
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Warmly,
Susan
12:02:07 AM
Pop In People 
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