When coworkers interrupt deep work, offer a specific time instead of saying no: "3 o'clock? 4 o'clock?" Repeat those times if they push back, then stop talking. Before you start, send a quick note asking if anything urgent needs attention first.
If a coworker interrupts you every single time you finally get focused, don't wait until you get irritated and snap. Instead, say, I'd love to talk, but I'm in the middle of a project. What time this afternoon works? 3 o'clock? 4 o'clock? Now, they'll probably say, it'll only take a minute. Don't explain your deadline. Just say, I do want to hear it. Right now doesn't work. How about 3 or 4? If they push again, I heard you. Right now doesn't work. 3 o'clock? 4 o'clock? Then stop talking. You're not refusing to interact. You're refusing to let their interruption automatically outrank the work you're already doing. And get ahead of repeat interrupters. Before you dive into that deep work, send a note, something like, I'm logging off for a few hours to finish a project. Anything urgent before I do? Stop rewarding every interruption with immediate access. Give them another time and then just keep working.
