Learn to limit time-consuming chats with other team members. Inevitably, there will be times when a fellow team member wants to talk but you need to get something done. How can you cut off the conversation without seeming rude? Try suggesting that you talk about it later, when you won’t be preoccupied with a pressing task—as you are now. Most people will respect your need to focus total attention on the job at hand. Needless to say, the same should apply when the roles are reversed.