LEADERSHIPDays to result

Manager's Schedule

Meet and manage

Problem it solves

be frequently available for meetings

Best for

Managers and those who need to be frequently available for meetings

Not ideal for

Makers and those who need large blocks of time to focus

Overview

Why this framework exists

The manager's schedule is a way of using time that is common among managers and those who need to be frequently available for meetings. It involves scheduling meetings and interactions with others in fixed, usually hourly, increments.

Core principles

5 total
  1. Schedule meetings and interactions with others in fixed increments
  2. Be available for meetings and interruptions during work time
  3. Use a calendar or scheduling tool to manage your time
  4. Prioritize meetings and interactions with others
  5. Be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances

Steps

3 steps
  1. Schedule meetings
    Use a calendar or scheduling tool to schedule meetings and interactions with others. Be sure to leave some buffer time between meetings to allow for transitions and unexpected interruptions.
    Pro tipUse a scheduling tool to automate the process of scheduling meetings and reduce the risk of conflicts
    WarningBe careful not to overbook yourself and leave too little time for focused work
  2. Prioritize meetings
    Prioritize meetings and interactions with others, and be sure to leave time for focused work and other tasks. Use a task list or calendar to keep track of your priorities and deadlines.
    Pro tipUse a prioritization framework to determine which meetings and tasks are most important
    WarningBe careful not to prioritize meetings over focused work, as this can undermine your productivity
  3. Be flexible
    Be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances, and be willing to adjust your schedule as needed. Use a calendar or scheduling tool to stay organized and on track.
    Pro tipUse a flexible scheduling tool to allow for changes and adjustments to your schedule
    WarningBe careful not to be too rigid or inflexible, as this can make it difficult to adapt to changing circumstances

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
Traditional business culture

In traditional business culture, managers and executives often use the manager's schedule to manage their time and prioritize their tasks. This schedule is deeply ingrained in business culture and is often seen as the norm.

OutcomeThe manager's schedule can be effective for managers and those who need to be frequently available for meetings, but it can be less effective for makers and those who need large blocks of time to focus.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Not leaving buffer time
Not leaving buffer time between meetings can lead to conflicts and undermine your productivity. It is essential to leave some buffer time to allow for transitions and unexpected interruptions.
Overbooking
Overbooking yourself can lead to burnout and undermine your productivity. It is essential to prioritize your tasks and leave some time for focused work and other activities.
Not being flexible
Not being flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances can make it difficult to adjust to new situations and priorities. It is essential to be willing to adjust your schedule and priorities as needed.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of the manager's schedule has been around for a long time, and is deeply ingrained in traditional business culture. Managers and executives often use this schedule to manage their time and prioritize their tasks.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · ESSAY
Maker's Schedule, Manager's Schedule
Paul Graham · 2009
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