214: Book Review of Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

Apr 9, 2024

Author Cal Newport discusses his book Slow Productivity, addressing challenges in knowledge work productivity. The podcast compares Newport's advice to academic teachings and offers critiques. Topics include workload management, task prioritization, gender representation in academia, and the value of prioritizing writing for productivity.

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INSIGHT

Measuring Knowledge Work

Knowledge work outcomes are less tangible than those in manufacturing or agriculture.
This makes it difficult to measure productivity accurately, leading to proxies like hours worked or emails sent.

ANECDOTE

Facetime Over Productivity

Cathy Maisak's former manager valued face-time over productivity.
This prompted her to leave the software industry and pursue academia.

ADVICE

Slow Productivity Principles

Embrace slow productivity by focusing on three principles: doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and obsessing over quality.
Cal Newport's book emphasizes these principles for a more sustainable work approach.

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In today's episode, I review Cal Newport's latest book, Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout. I loved his book Deep Think and recommend it often. I was excited to read his newest work and wanted to relay my thoughts and insights to you!

In Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout, Cal addresses the challenges knowledge workers face surrounding productivity. I compare his advice to the teachings in Navigate and share which of his principles relate to academics. I also explain why I disagree with some of Cal's recommendations and what I suggest knowledge workers do instead.

Do I recommend reading Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout? Tune in to hear my full critique!

For full show notes visit scholarsvoice.org/podcast/214.

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