deepstash
Beta
You Need To Plan For The Unexpected
Planning for the unexpected
Many of us have very well laid-out to-do lists any daily plans. However, they do not reflect the reality of our everyday working life.
We will always be interrupted. If our mindset is to accept that we will always have interruptions and surprises, we will be less frustrated when they happen.
148 SAVES
This is a professional note extracted from an online article.
Read more efficiently
Save what inspires you
Remember anything
IDEA EXTRACTED FROM:
5
Key Ideas
Planning for the unexpected
Many of us have very well laid-out to-do lists any daily plans. However, they do not reflect the reality of our everyday working life.
We will always be interrupted. If our mindset is to accept that we will always have interruptions and surprises, we will be less frustrated when they happen.
The specifics of your job
We let our planning focus on the tasks associated with the job. But we don't take into account all the aspects of our job.
Interacting with people can be part of the broader scope of your job. It means that interruptions are not actually non-productive aspects. They are actions that should get folded into the plan for each day.
Blocks of time
Some interruptions cannot be avoided. But, we can talk to people in advance about the best times to pop in. We can also schedule a time when we will not be available and would prefer not to be disturbed.
Being realistic
When creating a to-do list and interruptions at odd times are a given, build a buffer time in for each task. Assume an hour-long project will take 90 minutes. Schedule extra time into your calendar each day for your team to "pop in."
David Allen
"Your ability to deal with surprise is your competitive edge, and a key to sanity and sustainability in your lifestyle."
SIMILAR ARTICLES & IDEAS:
5
Key Ideas
There is no perfect method for everyone
There is no "one size fits all schedule" for maximum productivity.
Because we all have particular strengths and weaknesses when it comes to time management and productivity, what works...
The Time Blocking Method
It involves planning out your day in advance and dedicating specific hours to accomplish specific tasks.
It’s important to block out both proactive blocks (when you focus on important tasks) and reactive blocks (when you allow time for requests and interruptions).
The Most Important Task Method (MIT)
Instead of writing a big to-do list and trying to get it all done, determine the 1-3 tasks that are absolutely essential and then focus on those tasks during the day.
You don’t do anything else until you’ve completed the three essential tasks.
2 more ideas
7
Key Ideas
Bullying: a form of violence
Bullying is intended to dominate a victim into submission.
When we're under attack, our rational minds shut down and move into the fight-or-flight mode. When we can't fight or run away, we fr...
Workplace bullying
Bullying in the business world is more masked:
- Taking credit for others' work.
- Shaming others in public.
- Inventing faults to accuse team members when superiors are around.
- Concerned with building a reputation as a hard-driving manager that is focused on continuous improvement.
The staff members usually resort to passivity to survive. It is true that people leave bosses, not jobs.
Bullying to seem smart
A colleague may use their position of authority to demean and dominate others. They may seem poised and confident and can be responsible for substantial billings. But little cracks start showing when coworkers become hesitant to work with the person or even threaten to leave.
Coworkers note that she is superior and disdainful, and ignores comments. No-one may critique her solution. She rolls her eyes when they speak up.
4 more ideas
5
Key Ideas
The time-blocking method
Simply means planning out your day in advance and dedicating specific hours to accomplish specific tasks.
Doing this requires determining in advance what you will accomplish and exactl...
The most important task method (MIT)
Rather than writing out a massive to-do list and trying to get it all done, determine the 1-3 tasks that are absolutely essential and then relentlessly focus on those tasks during the day.
Once you determine your 1-3 most important tasks, they are scheduled first in your day. You then make progress on essential items before you get bombarded by distractions.
The Pomodoro Technique
Is all about working in short, massively productive, intensely focused bursts, and then giving yourself a brief break:
- Choose a task
- Set your timer for 25 minutes
- Work on the task until the timer ends
- Take a short break (around 5 minutes)
- Every 4 Pomodoro sessions, take a longer break (15-30 minutes).
2 more ideas