I got busted the other day, and with cause, for interrupting a colleague in a meeting. Thankfully, the person I interrupted was able to complete the idea because I was called out for it.

So there are a few object lessons here.

If someone interrupts someone else, you might say “Hold on, so-and-so was still talking. Let so-and-so finish first.”

If you are the person interrupted, speak up: “I’m not quite done yet. Let me get this thought out and than I’d love to hear what you have to say.”

If you are the person who is interrupting, think about the reason why. I can think of three possible reasons: You are not listening, you don’t think what the person is saying is important enough, or you are annoyed that they are speaking out of turn.

None of these reasons are acceptable, and I learned a valuable lesson that day.  (And a great idea emerged from the discussion as well).

–Byron