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Comments
08.19.09
Interesting post - the planets must be in alignment or something because I too have been feeling like "what the heck is the preoccupation with productivity?" lately.
I have not read any productivity books - it's not a productive use of my time (yes, the pun was intended). I went to one "study smarter, not harder" workshop as an undergrad and it was a waste of my time because they were telling me things I already know.
Personally I think that this whole being more productive BS is...well it's BS. I have seen many people get burned out because they tried to be more productive and in the end they had pilled on so much work that they were losing sleep. There will always be more work than you can handle in your 8 hour work day, even if you don't waste any time on facebook or youtube (or any other favorite time waster).
Personally I think that people feel the need to have their own little Frederick Taylor with a stopwatch timing them on each task to make them feel productive which is why we've had a glut of these books, tapes, methodologies and help-yourself items for personal productivity. People need to take a chill pill. A happier self is a more productive self (hmmm...maybe we can make money off this... start the next big fad)
08.19.09
Productivity is function of (3) things:
1. A logical thought process
2. A willingness to make assumptions in order to move a discussion or project forward
3. A sense of control combined with the flexibility needed to guard against intransigence should your assumptions prove faulty
If you go through life defining a problem and coming up with your own proposed solutions before working in committee, you will find that you not only get your way more often, but you get to the end-point more quickly. And, when you are wrong, the conversation is more focused (because you've articulate your position) and can maintain its efficiency even when changing directions.
08.19.09
I think productivity is really more simple than everyone makes it. It's just GTD (like you said in the post!) if you are checking stuff off your list, you are being productive. Unfortunately, the climate at corporate America is always going to work against your basic productivity--there will always be pointless meetings, "TPS reports" and procedures you have to follow which make it more difficult to GTD.
I learned to just try and work around it and work fast. Multi-tasking is critical. Not only that, you have to be able to focus, re-direct and re-focus again. In today's work environment you will be interrupted, but you just have to refocus again (it's really no different than hopping back and forth texting multiple people at the same time). We Gen Y'rs are much better at this than previous generations, but it takes conscious effort by all parties.
08.19.09
Have you ever read the classic Harvard Business Review management classic entitled, "Who's Got The Monkey?" I think you'd find it illuminating. It's all about making sure the people around you aren't slyly slipping you their work. Lots of good ideas in your piece. One thing all the productivity systems in the world seem to have in common is creating activities that temporarily relieve the anxiety of looking at that blank page and having no idea in the world about what to fill it with.
08.19.09
A few things I use:
A) I found that when things pile up, sometimes you set up a burndown list of most to least important, and start working from the top down. When new items come in, reprioritize regularly. It helps you tackle important items and find out how important things are to you. Usually you don't need to use it forever, using it for a week or three gets you on track.
B) Keep a list of must-do-when regular tasks. Do you have to put in a given report at a time, fill in statuses, do a budget, etc.? Keep that list handy and check it off as you do them. This lets you be aware of what must be done or is unavoidable (or why you're avoiding it) and also lets you get regular things out of the way - so you have time to deal with crises if needed.
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