I found, when working in larger organizations, that managing phone calls can be a major source of stress and disruption. That's why I have developed a system that works for me, and could work for you too.
The key to my system is simple: hold all calls until a designated time. In my case, I have the receptionist take all my calls until eleven in the morning, saying “May I have Riza call you back?” Then at eleven, they send all the call messages in, start putting incoming calls through, and I do the dialling myself. This results in nobody being upset as they haven't been given false hope or expectations.
By concentrating all of my calls into a forty-five-minute period in the morning and a similar period after lunch until four o’clock in the afternoon, I can focus on my work without constant interruption. This also means that my clients and colleagues know when they can expect to speak with me, and can plan their own schedules accordingly.
This system has been incredibly effective for me, and I would encourage others to try it as well. By setting aside specific times for phone calls, you can avoid the stress and frustration of constant interruptions, and focus on your work when you need to.
Of course, there will always be emergencies that require immediate attention. But for the most part, holding all calls until a designated time can be a game-changer in terms of productivity and peace of mind.
So, consider implementing this system in your own workday. You may be surprised at the results.