Whether during a group meeting or during a one-on-one conversation, getting interrupted is frustrating and sometimes demoralizing. The impact of being interrupted tends to be most negative when it prevents you from finishing a thought. Preparation for interruptions is key, shares Tania Luna. She offers ways to navigate the various norms in different situations.
Source: Fast Company, December 3, 2018. Link.
Instead of enforcing a culture of “let’s not interrupt,” Luna advocates for one of “let’s let each other finish.” “Give people the space back,” she says. “That’s a healthier, more blameless conversation, and more practical and productive on the whole.”
INSIGHTS: Today’s news and sportscast teams are setting a standard of speaking over each other that is harmful to group participation. Too many overly assertive interruptions diminish the character of discussions and shatters group empowerment dynamics. Be the one who signals for a time out to let the original speaker finish.