The Productologist

If you are like most Product Managers that I know, you spend more time than you like in meetings. In the best of worlds, meetings can be productive endeavours where decisions get made and progress happens. Sadly, I don’t live in the best of worlds. Meetings in my world are sometimes useful. They can impart information, allow for vigorous dialogue and keep everyone’s priorities and effort in alignment. They can also be a colossal waste of time, especially when attendees are late or absent altogether.

On my work calendar, I have the first 30 minutes of each morning blocked off so that I can review the tasks for the day and read any email and listen to voicemails that came in overnight. I do this because I know that it will help me stay focused on what needs my attention most. Unfortunately, this level of organization doesn’t fit well with what my job requires.

Most mornings, I get into the office 20-30 minutes before my scheduled review block. I regularly do the one or more of the following things: