Not Getting Shit Done? Productive Change Managers Master This Daily Method

Is your schedule out of control right now? As a busy change manager, change leader, transformation expert or communication specialist, you’re working harder than ever right now but you still might not be feeling productive. In this episode of The Ne…

I hate those days that are packed with back to back calls and Zoom meetings, when you barely have time to grab lunch, make a cuppa, or even go to the bathroom… yet when 5pm (6pm? 7pm?) rolls around you have nothing to show for your efforts.  

Can you relate? 



It’s the worst! And yet, I know days like those are the norm for so many change leaders, transformation experts and communication specialists right now.


The other day, I saw some research that says 87% of knowledge workers are working 2+ hours extra every day than they were in 2019.  Two hours!  The research went on to say that, even so, more than a quarter of our work deadlines are still missed each week. That’s crazy!

If your schedule’s out of control, this week’s ep of The New Way is for you.   I’m sharing the method I use every day to manage my workload.   

I’m breaking down the method that helps me close out each workday feeling like I was actually productive.


In this episode, you’ll discover:

  • How to take back control of your schedule and make time for your highest-impact work

  • What to do if your days are packed with back to back meetings

  • Exactly how I schedule my work mornings


Listen in now, and then give this method a go yourself next week. I’ve been using this approach for years and it really has been a game-changer for me. I hope it is for you too!


TOPICS DISCUSSED AND WHERE TO FIND THEM:

[1:31]: I have such a drive and am so excited to help our team do the biggest and best work of their careers. 

[2:25]: 87% of knowledge workers are currently working 2 hours extra every day compared with 2019. A quarter of our deadlines are still missed each week. 

[4:19]: This method of closing out the day is particularly helpful if you’ve struggled with overworking and you’d like to work with intention. I introduce “Time blocking”. 

[5:14]: Time blocking is a time management scheduling approach where you schedule specific blocks of time in your calendar for certain activities. Schedule out, in advance, every part of your workday into bite-size chunks.

[6:58]: There are three fundamental steps for time blocking. 

[7:07]: #1 Know your priorities. 

[7:36]: #2 Visually schedule time blocks in your calendar so your focus is uninterrupted. 

[8:02]: #3 Think about how you can group like-tasks together into one concentrated block of time. 

[8:56]: An example of how I like to use time blocking to schedule my week. 

[10:29]: Time blocking is based on two key principles: Deep Work and Parkinson’s Law. 

[12:41]: I resonate with the principles of Deep Work by Cal Newport. 

[13:36]: Tip 1: How I handle the challenges of being a busy change manager. 

[14:19]: Tip 2: Figure out when you’re most productive and block out time accordingly. 

[15:01]: Tip 3: Group all of your meetings together. 

[16:42]: Time blocking is a tool to become more intentional about your time. It’s not about perfection. 

[16:53]: Tip 4: Expect unexpected interruptions. Engage but don’t let them derail your entire day. Schedule a 1 hour time block in the afternoon, your ‘hour of power’, to deal with urgent unexpected tasks that come up or when an interruption occurred. 

[19:07]: Time blocking takes practice.


LINKS

Episodes mentioned:

Resources mentioned:

Website: https://www.everchange.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatebyrne/

Kate Byrne