DISQUS

AL · 2 years ago

Wow, you nailed it with that meeting thing. Where I work, if you decline a meeting, it's considered rude, much like cursing!

You go to the meeting, 5 minutes into it, personal life stories come up and it turns into a bonding thing. That irritates the living hell out of me! A 10 minute meeting often extends to one hour because of that!

I gotta start declining meeting that either have no stated purpose or agenda, or ones I'm not really needed in. That of course, unless the request comes from my boss :)

Douglas Karr · 2 years ago

I definitely missed that point, AL. 'Bosses' are the exception to ever rule. :)

Ade · 2 years ago

You should take a look at a new book coming out called the Four Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss. He rarely has meetings, and only checks email once a week or so -- similarly themed to what you're talking about. I recently listened to his SXSW talk and found it really intriguing. Looking forward to reading the book.

Douglas Karr · 2 years ago

I found the Tim Ferriss Blog as well. Looking forward to checking the book out!

Dawud Miracle · 2 years ago

Yes. To be productive you have to put phone calls and email in their proper place. If you're just a slave to them all day long - they do nothing but interrupt your work flow.

Great points.

Douglas Karr · 2 years ago

Thanks Dawud! In our 'American-Me-Me-Me' society, some folks don't appreciate it when you don't respond to an email or phone call immediately. But I'm determined to make the understand.

Becky Carroll · 2 years ago

Reading email can suck up so much time. I know some people who have to read each message as soon as they hear the "ding". I turned off my email notifier, and I read email on MY schedule. Certain times during the day are best for me to read email, answer calls, etc.

Now you didn't mention blogging, but it certainly takes up time! ;-)

Douglas Karr · 2 years ago

Blogging is an investment, though, Becky. I'm networking and learning the more I read and write. As well, with some minor ad revenue, I actually do get paid to blog. I'm not sure if I'm making a buck an hour yet... but I think it's worth it in the end.

Thanks for the input! No doubt reading and surfing endlessly can make one unproductive!

John Koetsier · 2 years ago

Great post - love it. Much better than the endless lists of 20-30 productivity tips that you can't even remember, never mind implement.

Douglas Karr · 2 years ago

I agree with you John! It would have been unproductive to make anyone read more than 5!

:)

Gail Kent · 2 years ago

It's the Google Alerts and surfing that do me in! Thanks for giving me permission to go to the Zone.

Douglas Karr · 2 years ago

Google Alerts have me going as well. I only check them twice daily, though!