Getting Things Done

Kevin Wilde, former Chief Learning Officer at General Mills, joins David Allen to discuss the intersection of leadership and coachability. He shares insights on how the 'Getting Things Done' methodology transformed corporate culture and boosted individual productivity. Wilde emphasizes the crucial role of feedback in leadership growth, noting that many leaders plateau when they stop seeking it. They also touch on the evolving expectations from leaders towards authenticity and social responsibility, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

Daniel Levitin, a neuroscientist and author known for works like 'This Is Your Brain on Music', joins for a fascinating discussion about aging and productivity. He emphasizes the importance of externalizing memory and living conscientiously for successful aging. Levitin links cognitive clarity to motivation and advocates for continuous learning to sharpen the mind. They also reflect on the challenges of sustaining human connections in a virtual world, exploring how personal experiences shape our understanding of cognitive health.

In this engaging discussion, Richard Medcalf, a leadership and strategy consultant and founder of Xquadrant, dives into the art of leading with resilience. He emphasizes understanding human behavior as crucial for organizational success. Medcalf shares his productivity journey, leveraging tools like Todoist and Evernote. He also introduces the idea of anti-fragility, suggesting that embracing stress can foster growth and adaptability. Leaders will find valuable insights on maintaining team morale during uncertainty and the power of prioritization.

Josiah Ronco is a touring guitar technician who also repairs guitars and manages real estate. He shares his journey using GTD and OmniFocus to juggle diverse responsibilities. Josiah discusses crafting hobbies, like building ukuleles, and highlights the importance of 'someday maybe' lists. He dives into the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting on how it changed live events and work environments. With humor, he explains how his productivity system helps maintain balance in both his personal and professional life.

Tamara McLendon, President of LongLeaf System and Network Specialists and a certified GTD trainer, shares her inspiring journey from journalist to IT leader. She discusses how implementing the GTD methodology transformed her approach to productivity and employee training. Tamara dives into project management strategies, including the effective use of a tickler file system, and how to foster a culture of accountability within her team. Her insights on navigating challenges in a remote work environment and personal development are both practical and motivating.

Dan Greenleaf, CEO of Providence Service Corporation and former Air Force captain, shares insights on leadership and productivity. He discusses his military training's influence on adaptability and situational awareness in business. Greenleaf emphasizes the importance of the Getting Things Done methodology in managing complexity, allowing for meaningful connections. He addresses the significance of self-management for executives, offering practical advice on accountability and fostering team dynamics for improved productivity.

David Allen, a renowned expert in the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology, shares invaluable insights on project management. He discusses the importance of aligning project management tools with personal planning methods to enhance team efficiency. The conversation delves into tracking next actions and the significance of clarity in action steps. Allen introduces the Natural Planning Model, emphasizing intention in project management. He also highlights effective brainstorming for generating innovative solutions and the necessity of team alignment, especially in complex scenarios.

Discover the secrets to seamless project management with insights on task efficiency and organization. Learn how to identify actionable steps, debunking the myth that all tasks are daunting. Explore the emotional hurdles in assessing projects and empowering proactive delegation. Understand the distinction between project support and actionable tasks for improved clarity. Dive into innovative strategies for tracking progress and navigating tasks effortlessly, along with essential tips for maintaining an organized workflow.

Jim Small, a pathology professor at Rocky Vista University and self-proclaimed "science nerd," shares his journey of integrating the Getting Things Done methodology into his life. He discusses the transition from medicine to teaching, highlighting the necessity for robust organizational systems during difficult times. Jim emphasizes the value of a simple approach to list management and the underappreciated Waiting For list. His humor shines as he reveals the origin of his GTD system's quirky name, Tembo, and offers insight on engaging diverse learners in the classroom.

Bruce Fetzer, President and CEO of the John E. Fetzer Memorial Trust, shares insights from his journey since training with David Allen in the 1980s. They discuss merging business with spirituality, emphasizing how intuitive practices can influence decision-making. The conversation explores the Fetzer Institute's mission of advancing science and relational views, while addressing the importance of fulfilling personal purpose amidst corporate expectations. Tune in to discover how love may serve as a guiding energy in navigating global challenges.