328 Make THIS Change To How You Manage Your Calendar
Sep 18, 2024
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Discover a groundbreaking approach to calendar management that differentiates maker's and manager's schedules. Learn strategies for creating uninterrupted work periods to boost productivity, especially in accounting. Explore how tax advisory tools enhance client service, showcasing tangible value like tax savings. Dive into how a firm's structure can optimize client interactions and elevate efficiency. Finally, uncover the importance of effective calendar management in minimizing distractions and maximizing focus on essential tasks.
Adopting a maker's schedule significantly boosts productivity by allowing prolonged focus time and limiting interruptions from meetings.
Establishing clear boundaries with clients regarding availability promotes better communication and enables makers to maintain their creative flow.
Deep dives
The Power of Scheduling for Makers
Implementing a maker's schedule can significantly enhance productivity for individuals whose work demands long, uninterrupted periods of focus, such as accountants. This entails prioritizing large blocks of time for deep work rather than dividing the day with frequent meetings. A fundamental realization highlighted is that traditional hour-based scheduling, typical for managers, often disrupts the workflow of makers, leading to diminished productivity and morale. Recognizing this distinction can motivate individuals and firms to rethink their scheduling strategies, enabling a work environment that better caters to makers.
Understanding Deliberate Scheduling Techniques
One practical technique mentioned involves scheduling meetings at the end of the day, allowing the morning and early afternoon to be free from interruptions. This approach not only maximizes focus time but also relieves the anxiety of having meetings looming throughout the day. By blocking off early work hours for deep concentration and reserving meeting times for later in the day, makers experience heightened clarity and capacity to tackle challenging tasks. The contrast between having scattered meetings versus back-to-back sessions at the day's end is significant, shifting from frustration to an exhilarating sense of freedom.
Managing Client Expectations
A common concern for many professionals is how to manage client expectations while implementing a maker's schedule. Establishing clear boundaries about availability, such as limiting high-priority meetings to specific time frames, can help in creating a structured approach to client interactions. It's essential to educate clients about the benefits of this system, which can foster better communication and adherence to scheduled times. By ensuring other team members handle routine inquiries during designated work hours, makers can preserve their creative flow and attention to complex tasks.
Redefining Team Structure for Enhanced Focus
Redesigning team structures to accommodate both makers and managers can lead to increased efficiency across the board. Assigning roles like client relationship managers can streamline communication, allowing makers the freedom to concentrate on production without constant interruptions. By leveraging software tools and other resources, firms can support functional teams dedicated to core tasks while ensuring client needs are still met effectively. This strategic division of responsibilities ultimately frees up makers to produce their best work, significantly impacting overall output.
Paul Graham 2009 Blog Post 👉 https://paulgraham.com/makersschedule.html We explored client relationship managers further in D300 https://youtu.be/_BN5E2XAlEU?si=PmxO3nWlZ5oR9Mlf And I drafted my first 20 team members in D282 https://youtu.be/LbCyatwWj1k?si=Bw3l3lO-twaVQi6e
🫠 Are you stuck in a legacy firm? Over 100 progressive firms are looking for accountants like you on Jason’s job placement platform: https://jason.careers/
🗣️ Continue the discussion on social! Twitter https://twitter.com/JStaatsCPA LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jstaats/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@jasoncpa
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