How to handle the deluge of competing tasks from different departments

The best communicators have the flexibility of Stretch Armstrong and the endurance of Lance Armstrong.

It helps to also have actual strong arms with which to push back against the torrent of job requests that assail your email and slow your workflow. We’re talking about those “urgent” tasks that are inexorably last-minute, not well thought out, completely out of left field and due tomorrow.

You know the drill:

Of course, all this mess happens concurrently with your regularly scheduled programming.

How on earth are you supposed to juggle it all? Let’s review some ideas on handling competing requests from different departments.

Dealing with the deluge

Communicators are often gregarious people-pleasers whose first impulse is to say “yes.” It’s fine to have a “service” mindset, but you must establish firm boundaries around your workflow.

According to Ron Santomassimo, founder of Massimo Group, you should try to balance direct communication with delegating and diplomacy.