In the very rare case that there is a clearly defined Problem which has been presented to from Above, which you can work on in isolation, and which you should p

In the very rare case that there is a clearly defined Problem which has been presented to from Above, which you can work on in isolation, and which you should prioritize to the exclusion of all else, then sure, distracting them will cause the Solution to be delayed. Many engineers like to view this kind of situation as their only responsibility and only avenue for adding value. I'm not sure it's accurate. We have to use a more broad and nuanced perspective on the value we provide when we talk about how that value is affected by our work environment.