Project Working Mom

• Master distracters are people who prevent others from getting things done
• Distractions include watching T.V., phone calls, texting, and frequent visits
• Master distracters keep others from achieving their goals

What is a master distracter? This person can be a friend, relative, co-worker, colleague, or child. S/he is someone who always distracts you when you are trying to work on something.

Give this quick test to someone who you think is a master distracter!

1. You send your best friend a text message saying "What are you doing?" She replies, "Reading for class." How do you respond?
   1. You call her immediately.
   2. You text back, saying "Okay — talk to you later".
   3. You text back, saying "What class?"
2. You're in the car with your sister. You're running some errands together, and she's driving in heavy traffic. She starts to merge onto the interstate. You …
   1. Turn up the music, and ask her, "So how was your date last night?"
   2. Turn down the music.
   3. Sing along to the song that's playing.
3. You are at work on a Monday morning. You walk up to your office buddy's desk—she seems to be concentrating really hard. What do you say?
   1. "Hey! How was your weekend? I think we need three day weekends around here. I don't feel very rested, and …"
   2. "I can see you're busy. I'll come by later!"
   3. "Hey. What's up?"
4. It's 8 p.m. You're online checking your email, and you see that your cousin has signed on. You send her a message, but she doesn't message you back. Five minutes pass. What do you do?
   1. You send her a few more messages. "Helloooo? Are you ignoring me? What's up?"
   2. Figure she's signed in, but busy and just wait for her to reply.
   3. Send another message saying something like, "Just saying hey. Let me know if you're around."
5. You and your closest friends decide to catch a flick together. Everyone gets settled in the movie theatre and the previews start. The lights dim and the movie begins. You've just thought of something to ask your best friend, but she's sitting two people away from you.
   1. You turn to her direction and ask, "Hey, Cheryl! Whatever happened to that teacher who got your kid in trouble? What was his name again?"
   2. The movie's starting, so you figure you'll ask her later.
   3. You turn and make noise to get her attention. "Pst! Pst! Hey!"

Add number of times you marked either A, B, or C.

If you chose mostly A's:

You are a master distracter. Even though others might be busy doing other things, you decide that your needs are most important. If your friend has asked you take this quiz, then she's probably trying to tell you that can be bothersome. Simply try being more aware of what others are doing. And if your friend looks busy? Just leave her be!

If you chose mostly B's:

You are always careful not to distract others, and it shows! You know how to read between the lines, and are very courteous about letting your friends get stuff done. Don't forget, though, that your needs are important too. If you are truly in need, don't hesitate to reach out and ask for support.

If you chose mostly C's:

You are one level down from being a master distracter. You're not oblivious. You know when someone's just too busy for you. Sometimes, you do the right thing and leave them alone, but other times, you can be a big distraction.

Victoria Patrick is Content Manager for eLearners.com.

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