This is a critical skill for a PM as you will be expected to model the behaviors you'd expect from your team.
Some tips I've used:
1. Get comfortable with saying "no".
2. Turn off the distractions you have full control over - e.g. e-mail notifications, mute WhatsApp group notifications
3. Avoid the temptation to do "research" on the Internet as it is easy to go down rabbit holes
4. Ensure you understand what is most important to accomplish each day and block time off to complete that
5. Find a Fortress of Solitude for activities requiring deep thought
Kiron Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
There is a need to prioritize in our own efforts and needs. We have multiple projects and responsibilities with our organization, but only so much time.
Focus on those high-priority items and resist the urge to multi-task. Instead, put the focus on finishing stuff - Start finishing; Stop starting. Use techniques such as Pomodoro to aid in dedicated focus sessions.
I also find getting up from the desk for a stint; getting coffee, water, bio, etc. helpful and even getting analog with a written list in my notebook. I do love a nice notebook and it is a great sense of accomplishment checking those boxes :)
Also tools such as Trello or Notion can help keep you organized, but those tools should really just support a solid process you find that works for you. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Is not about PM. Is about your personal life. If you can not focused in your personal life forget about it when you perform a role. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Marcus,
like Sergio said, it is a life skill. If you have kids, what do you do to enable them to focus, learn?
First thing is not to be ashamed about it, we all procrastinate and need time to rest. It is just human, our brain needs down-times and distractions trigger our hormones for immediate gratification.
Second, there are many theories and models out there, about time management, mindfulness, leadership, or how our brains work. Start diving in, there is help.
Third, it is also a cultural thing, most of us live in a western culture that believes in hard work and despises fun. Contrast this to the cultures of joy and of honor, where it is more OK to enjoy the moment respectively follow norms (more on this from Basanez: A world of 3 cultures). Saving Changes...
Peter RapinSubject Matter Expect; Project Delivery| Independent ConsultantOntario, Canada
As a PM one has to recognize that there will be distractions and that one of your jobs is guard your team from distractions. Distractions have to be managed rather than avoided. Distractions can be like monkeys on your back - if you don't deal with them they will pass on to others and ultimately your whole team gets distracted. Keep in mind that some people are better at managing distractions than others - help those that need help.
Examples only:
1) categorize the distractions by degree of importance - socializing priority 2; stakeholder concern priority 8, boss 10; family 12.
2) compartmentalize and schedule - emails 10:00 am and 2:30 pm; phone calls 11:30 am and 4:00 pm; meetings 9:00 Tuesdays and Thursdays.
3) record your effort and attach value of results - wasted 0; successful 10; somewhat worthwhile 6
4) Weekly lessons learned (Friday pm) and apply the following week.
All this requires a to-do list. I have 40 years worth of Daytimers to witness my distractions.
Not all "dead time" are distractions. Planned distractions help energize the body and mind.
Final thought - Multi-tasking is over rated. Saving Changes...
block: so your team can run the ball. Take distractions offline, use parking lots, identify risks. Take the lead so your team doesn't get distracted. Saving Changes...
Marcus UdokangProject Manager| Aivaz ConsultingCalgary, Alberta, Canada
Many thanks for all these perspectives. Much appreciated. Saving Changes...
