Getting Things Done cover image

Getting Things Done

Ep. 296: Put Your GTD Skills to the Test

Feb 5, 2025
Discover essential strategies for effective time management and productivity through an interactive skills lab. Participants learn to navigate different work categories and uncover unplanned tasks as opportunities. Delve into the challenges of balancing leadership roles with unexpected demands, while emphasizing the importance of employee engagement in customer interactions. The discussion highlights adapting decision-making to energy levels and context, encouraging an intuitive approach on the journey to mastering productivity.
49:55

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Quick takeaways

  • Understanding the three types of work—predefined, unplanned, and defining—enhances overall productivity and task management.
  • Successfully balancing unexpected tasks with planned objectives requires creating a schedule buffer to maintain focus and flexibility.

Deep dives

Understanding the Threefold Nature of Work

Work can be categorized into three distinct types: predefined work, unplanned work, and defining work. Predefined work involves tasks that have been clarified and organized beforehand, such as projects listed in calendars or task lists. Unplanned work, often seen as interruptions or urgent tasks that arise spontaneously, plays a significant role in daily productivity. Defining work involves clarifying and organizing incoming tasks, such as managing emails or other incoming requests, ensuring a consistent workflow throughout the day.

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