In this episode, Christian Idiodi and fellow SVPG partner, Chris Jones, discuss time management. Many people in product feel they work long hours yet can’t achieve their goals. They spend so much time in meetings and reacting to what is urgent that they struggle to make space for real product work. These problems can be rooted in team culture or individual skills and habits. Either way, with the right strategies, effective time management is possible. 

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In this discussion we unpack:

• Product-specific time management dynamics

• How to evaluate where your time really goes

• How to avoid the trap of the “urgent”

• The link between team culture and time management

• Actionable tips for reducing pointless meetings

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References:

• Amazon’s 6-page written memos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V32wRmx7kE0&ab_channel=InsideAmazon

• Coaching Managing Time: https://www.svpg.com/coaching-managing-time/

• Eisenhower Matrix (urgency and importance): https://www.eisenhower.me/eisenhower-matrix/

• Parkinson’s Law: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkinson%27s_law

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Where to find SVPG:

• SVPG’s newest book, TRANSFORMED: https://www.svpg.com/books/transformed-moving-to-the-product-operating-model/

• Other books: https://www.svpg.com/books/

• Articles: https://www.svpg.com/articles/

• Workshops: https://www.svpg.com/

• Videos: https://www.svpg.com/videos/

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Where to find Christian Idiodi:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/

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Where to find Chris Jones:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjonessvpg/

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Timestamps:

(02:22) The Eisenhower Matrix

(05:14) The link between team culture and time management 

(06:47) Causes and solutions for "too many meetings" 

(14:21) The Pie Chart Exercise

(17:39) Seven tips for better meetings

(21:12) The four types of meetings 

(27:10) Making time for discovery work

(30:47) Closing thoughts

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Disclaimer:

While this podcast is named “Product Therapy”, it is not hosted by licensed therapists or mental health professionals, and it is in no way a substitute for professional mental health services. We recognize the importance of mental well-being and encourage anyone facing personal difficulties to seek support from qualified professionals. See https://findahelpline.com/

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Production:

Production by supermix.io