The #1 Thing That Most Improved My Productivity

Reasons you can’t manage yourself

You let others run your schedule.

Being responsive to others may turn into giving others control of the way you use time*. Misconceptions about compassion and kindness can destroy productivity.

You need clarity and commitment regarding mission, vision and purpose.

You need to know why you’re here before you can effectively manage your schedule.

You don’t know how to best use your time.

*Note: Some jobs require you to let others run your schedule. If you’re in emergency services, for example, you don’t get to choose when a house catches on fire.

Everyone who commits to respond to others must navigate tensions between controlling your own schedule and being responsive.

The #1 one thing that most improved my productivity

Protect open time on your calendar.

Open time on your calendar is your most precious resource.

When someone calls for an appointment, schedule it during busy times, not open time.

If you see a three-hour block of open time or one open hour on your calendar, schedule your open hour.

What if?

What if team members can put appointments on your calendar?

Have a “calendar conversation” with your team. Agree that everyone has the authority to protect two or three blocks of time on their calendar.

Depending on your organisation, it might be a two-hour block of time on Monday and Thursday.

Protected time is sacred. It’s your time to get real work done.

Everyone agrees that you have permission to close your door, put your phone on phone mail and not respond to emails during protected time.

What has helped you become more productive?

Dan Rockwell is a coach and speaker and is freakishly interested in leadership. He is an author of a world-renowned leadership blog, Leadership Freak. To get in touch with Dan, write to us at editor@leaderonomics.com.