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Plugging Time Leaks
18. Take their lunch break with fellow workers than have
lunch quietly alone.
19. Serve on a hiring committee than reorganize their files. 119
20. Attend a training workshop with numerous break-out activi-
ties than attend one that relies on audiovisuals and lecture.
If you preferred the first rather than the second option in
more than 14 of the above, you’re a very outgoing person. If
you’re in a task-oriented job, you need breaks for human con-
tact; they make you happier and more productive. (But keep
them brief.) You’re more likely, though, to be in a people-orient-
ed position. For that reason, you don’t necessarily seek out
human interaction during down times; a quiet moment may
work just as well. Warning: the more outgoing you are, the more
prone you are to counterproductive socializing. You welcome
interruptions too readily and perhaps tend to drop in on others
too often. You can still be gracious with people, but be ruthless
with time.
If you preferred the first option over the second in seven to
14 of the above examples, your need to take social breaks is
about average. Your willingness to let people distract you is typ-
ical. If you’re in a task-oriented job, you should feel comfortable
about brief socializing. It will enhance your day. If you’re in a
people-oriented position, you probably don’t do a lot of socializ-
ing on breaks. Quiet time is what you seek and what will refresh
you the most.
If you preferred the first option in six or fewer of the above
cases, you’re an introverted person. Excessive socializing is
hardly a temptation for you. But you do need frequent short
breaks to maintain your morale. You’re probably in a task-ori-
ented job. Occasional socializing is something that could benefit
you, especially with people you know very well. A paradox: you
could easily slide into too much socializing (e.g., on the phone)
with close friends and loved ones.
If you’re in a people-oriented job, you thirst for solitary goof-
off moments, since frequent human interaction can weigh heav-