How to Stop the “Got a Minute?” Trap

Every business owner knows the feeling. You sit down to tackle something important, and right on cue someone taps you on the shoulder: “Got a minute?”

Productivity isn’t about how many hours you work. It’s about whether those hours are spent building the future of your business or constantly putting out fires.

The truth is, most builders aren’t struggling with a lack of effort. You’re already giving long hours. 

The problem is where your energy goes.

Let’s look at the four biggest traps that keep you stuck in reactive mode.

1. The Swarm of Problem Messengers

Instead of fixing issues, your team pass them to you. Every glitch, every roadblock, lands at your feet. You end up being the on-call fire brigade.

2. Constant Interruptions

Phone calls, emails, walk-ups. Every distraction kills momentum. The strategic work you know you need to do? It never starts.

3. Self-Inflicted Pressure

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: sometimes we like being the hero. It feels good to be the one with the answers. But being the fixer comes at a cost.

4. Burnout

Twelve-hour days. Weekends gone. Family sidelined. Eventually, even your health pays the bill.

The Core Problem

Everything stops until you decide. You’ve become the bottleneck.

And the only way out is simple, decision-making must move down the line. Clear rules. Clear limits. Clear process.

But here’s the question: how do you hand over responsibility without blowing budgets, losing control, or risking quality?

That’s where the 333 Method comes in.

The 333 Method

This framework trains your team to solve problems without leaning on you every five minutes. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: The Three-Minute Search Rule

Before an employee interrupts you, they must spend three minutes searching for the answer. Google it. Use ChatGPT. Ask APB Brain. Check the building code. Look at the plans.

They log what they tried, where they looked, and what they found.

If nothing solid comes up in three minutes, move on to Step 2.

Step 2: The Three-Peer Rule

Next, they must ask three peers before knocking on your door. This could be a colleague, a subcontractor, or even a supplier.

Why it works? Peers are often closer to the problem, and there’s wisdom in the group. It’s about using a “less expensive shoulder” before going to the manager.

Each peer gives a quick take, and the employee makes notes.

Step 3: The Three-Solution Rule

If the problem still requires your input, they come to you with at least three possible solutions.

This transforms the conversation. Instead of dumping a raw problem, they bring options with cost, time, and risk outlined, plus their recommended choice.

One problem. Three solutions. One recommendation.

That’s the 131 Rule tucked inside the 333 Method.

Recap: The 333 Decision Framework

Three-Minute Search

• One-line problem.
• Check trusted sources.
• Log answers or advance to Step 2.

Three-Peer Rule

• Ask three relevant peers.
• Capture quick insights.
• Relay one-sentence takeaways.

Three-Solution Rule

• Restate the problem.
• Present three clear solutions (cost | time | risk).
• Give one firm recommendation.

That’s how you break free from the “got a minute?” cycle.

Where to Start

Building a self-sufficient, high-performing team doesn’t start with hiring more people. It starts with leading smarter.

That’s why we’re offering you a free 45-minute discovery call with one of our experts. In that call, we’ll pinpoint exactly what’s keeping you trapped in constant interruptions and show you the steps to fix it.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

• Clarity on the #1 thing holding you back.
• A step-by-step plan to free your time and grow profitably.
• Two bonus resources.

Book your free discovery call now and take control of your time again.