Visualize projects with Post-it notes on a physical or virtual wall, organizing tasks into columns for 'Stuff We Might Do' and individual team members.
Move tasks between columns to show current work and workload distribution.
Conduct regular, structured check-in meetings to discuss progress, roadblocks, and needs, keeping a shared log.
As tasks are completed, decide as a team what to pull from the 'Stuff We Might Do' column, creating a continuous flow.
Periodically review languishing tasks and consider deprioritizing them if they remain unaddressed.
00:00
Transcript
Episode notes
One of the biggest problems afflicting knowledge workers in the digital age is frantic busyness; days filled with emails, chats, and meetings, without much to show for all the effort. In today’s episode, Cal dives into one of the most-discussed ideas from his new book, Slow Productivity, which offers a simple, tactical assault on this state of persistent busyness. He then answers listener questions about similar issues and lists the book he read in March.
Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo
- How can I stop chasing the “perfect” productivity system? [34:51] - How do I avoid losing my day to distraction? [39:08] - How do I help my partner escape meeting quickstand? [42:31] - How do we design the perfect client/task/scheduling system? [48:59] - Can Apple Vision Pro help deep work? [54:46]
The 5 Books Cal Read in March 2024 [1:06:43]
A Short History of England (Simon Jenkins) Into the Impossible (Brian Keating) The Amen Effect (Sharon Brous) Sink the Bismark! (CS Forester) Hidden Potential (Adam Grant)