Are you trading responsiveness for inefficiency?

What is the value of “I respond quickly to text messages and instant messages?”

Does it end up in your annual review? Is it a measurable goal that you have set yourself?

Is your company willing to pay you or promote you based on how quickly you respond?

The answer (for nearly everyone) is no.

Your end-of-year review, your measurable results are based on your focused work. 

You create  – sales, relationships, content, analysis, or any number of other things.

Interruptions impede creation.

The ding and the buzz of “someone needs me” inhibiting the need for focused work.

Unless you are measured and paid to be interrupted, it’s a poor use of your time to prioritize it.