How to Stop Your Urge to Interrupt Others

5 ways to stop this awful habit.

How can you stop your urge to interrupt others and become a better leader?

“Don’t interrupt me while I’m interrupting.”

— Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

There are five things you can do today to stop this bad habit.

1. Don’t speak up in meetings

Don’t speak up in meetings for a couple of weeks unless you are addressed directly. Listen to the conversation and jot down your notes instead.

2. Ask engaging questions

Ask questions such as “where did you find that information?” or “what do you think the outcome would be?” Take notes on the answers.

3. Share your thoughts in a measured way

Keep notes on how others are reacting to your thoughts and opinions. Keep emphasizing listening over speaking.

4. Spend time with people who don’t interrupt

Start modeling what you like about people who don’t interrupt others when they communicate. Schedule coffee meetings or informal meetings with them. Ask for their advice. Seek constructive feedback.

5. Observe how your behavior influences others

Listening and taking interest in others is infectious because other people will see your behavior and start doing the same thing you do. Become genuinely interested in other people. They will start telling you things they have never told you before.

We all have a desire to be heard

Everyone wants to talk. No one wants to listen. It’s important to listen to others so they will listen to you. Some people are just waiting for people to listen and not be interrupted.