Do you structure your creative time? Do you set time blocks to crank out work? Is there a nexus between them and can you map out a strategy for finding the most productive mix between the two?
Does Instant Messaging, email and phone calls contribute to increased effectiveness for reaching project milestone or does it simply add distractions?
An associate suggested his operating rule; 1 over 3, namely 1-hour of creative time (mind mapping, brain storming while devoid of cell phone and email interruptions) followed by 3-hours of solid work productivity. His goal was to replicate that process three time each day, so up to 9-hours of actual productivity. He did confess that the goal was not always achievable on a consistent basis and sometime the ratio was lower.
Another person I know, takes action as soon as possible when he gets that flash of insight into a solution for a specific issue but does not structure his time as the person listed above.
But how do you establish and stick to such a schedule?, can you simply turn on the creative faucet on demand and then shift to use that output to address project deliverables?
I’ve found the potential for distraction exists when working from a home/office, say verses in a more traditional office setting. The former requires a greater degree of focus and compartmentalization of time and tasks as there are potentially too many distractions. In my case, I have a dedicated office in our house however, not everyone has that arrangement.
In the case of IM and Email, a company I consulted for used IM almost to distraction, people would IM all day long and I found I would fall into that same trap, even if an email or phone call would suffice. The rapid fire and detached nature of IM was something I found managers would embrace to keep distance from their workers and also use to force immediate replies.
So what’s the net effect, better quality work? More thoughtful and measured replies? Somehow I doubt it.
With even more time pressure on us from management and clients, what solutions can you think or and employ to be more creative while maintaining enough consistent output of work?