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Say that a person A and person B want to be good and advance at something like a job. Person A believes that effectiveness and focus is the way and doing it right means having to spend less time, so they don't spend all their time on this. Person B on the other hand believes that simply spending a lot of time on this will lead to progress so they become consumed by it and make it their biggest interest.

Who will succeed if everything else is equal? It's probably more complicated than that. It seems to be about a combination of strategic time management, focused work and skill development. That should mean that developing the skills to do these three areas well will be time well spent (and probably lands under skill development in turn). Let's dig deeper into each of these components.

Strategic time management

Strategic time management. How to do it? This is probably about figuring out what are the most effective things to spend time on considering the impact each task has and how long it takes to complete. Those are two components. What are the subcomponents of the impact of each task?

prioritization and goal-setting

Prioritization and goal-setting. Regularly assess and prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. Set clear, specific goals for both short-term and long-term periods. This practice helps you focus on what truly matters and aligns your daily activities with your strategic objectives.

Prioritization frameworks.

• Eisenhower matrix. Categorize tasks based on urgency and importance.
• ABCDE Method. Assign priorities from A (most important) to E least important.
• MoSCoW Method. Categorize tasks as Must have, Should have, Could have, or Won't have.

Align tasks with strategic objectives. Regularly review your organization's or department's strategic goals. Evaluate how each task contributes to these larger objectives. Prioritize tasks that have the most significant impact on strategic goals.

Consider task dependencies. Identify tasks that are prerequisites for other important activities. Prioritize tasks that unlock or enable multiple subsequent activities.

Assess time sensitivity. Determine which tasks have imminent deadlines or time-sensitive opportunities. Balance urgent tasks with important but less time-sensitive activities.

Evaluate resource requirements. Consider the time, effort and resources needed for each task. Prioritize tasks that make efficient use of available resources.

Use the 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle). Identify the 20% of tasks that will likely produce 80% of the results. Focus on these high-impact activities.

Regular review and adjustment. Set aside time weekly to review and reprioritize your task list. Be willing to adjust priorities as circumstances change.

For setting clear and specific goals.

Use SMART criteria.

• Specific. Clearly define what you want to achieve.
• Measurable. Include concrete criteria for measuring progression.
• Achievable. Ensure the goal is realistic given your resources and constraints.
• Relevant. Align the goal with broader objectives and long-term plans.
• Time-bound. Set a clear timeline for achieving the goal.

Break down long-term goals. Divide long-term goals into smaller, manageable short-term objectives. Create a roadmap of milestones leading to the ultimate goal.

Write goals down. Document your goals in detail. Use action-oriented language to describe what you will do.

Set both outcome and process goals. Outcome goals focus on the end result. Process goals focus on the actions needed to achieve the outcome.

Seek feedback. Discuss your goals with mentors, colleagues or supervisors. Use their input to refine and improve your goal-setting process.

Time blocking

Time blocking. Implement a time blocking system where you schedule specific blocks of time for different types of work or tasks. This technique helps you allocate your time more effectively and reduces context switching, which can significantly improve productivity.

Identify your tasks and priorities. List all the tasks that you need to complete, both short-term and long-term. Prioritize these tasks based on their importance and urgency using frameworks like Eisenhower Matrix.

Create a time block schedule. In your calendar you can allocate specific blocks of time for each task or activity. Ensure you include time for breaks and personal activities.

Set clear goals for each block. Define what you aim to achieve during each time block. Make your goals specific and measurable (e.g. "Complete the first draft of the report" instead of "Work on the report").

Stick to the schedule. Treat each time block as a non-negotiable appointment. Avoid multitasking and focus solely on the task assigned to each block.

Review and adjust. At the end of each day or week, review your time blocks to see what worked and what didn't. Adjust your schedule based on your observations and any changes in priorities.

Example 1: Daily Schedule for a Data Engineer

• 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Morning routine and planning (review emails, set daily goals)
• 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Deep work on data pipeline development (focus on coding without interruptions)
• 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Break (take a walk, grab a coffee)
• 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Team meetings and collaboration (discuss project updates, plan next steps)
• 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch break
• 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Data analysis and reporting (work on data visualization and insights)
• 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Break (relax, stretch)
• 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Learning and development (study new technologies, attend webinars)
• 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Wrap up and review (summarize the day’s work, plan for tomorrow)

Example 2: Weekly Schedule for Strategic Planning

• Monday:

• 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Strategic planning session (review long-term goals, set weekly objectives)

• 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Break
• 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Project work (focus on high-priority tasks)
• 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch break

• 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Team meetings (align on strategic initiatives)

• Tuesday to Thursday:

• 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Deep work sessions (focus on critical projects)

• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch break
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Collaboration and meetings (discuss progress, solve issues)
• 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Break

• 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Learning and development (read industry reports, attend training)

• Friday:

• 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Review and reflection (assess weekly progress, adjust plans)

• 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Break
• 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Wrap up projects (complete outstanding tasks)
• 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch break
• 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Planning for next week (set goals, prepare for upcoming tasks)

How to review your long-term goals?
To perform a weekly long-term goals review, especially if you haven't set long-term goals yet, follow these detailed steps and examples:

Steps to Set Long-Term Goals

• Identify Your Vision and Objectives:

• Reflect on your career aspirations, personal ambitions, and life goals.

• Example: "I want to become a senior data engineer in a leading financial institution within the next five years."

• Break Down Your Vision into Specific Goals:

• Divide your vision into smaller, actionable long-term goals.

• Example: "Gain advanced certification in data engineering," "Lead a major project," "Develop leadership skills."

• Set SMART Goals:

• Ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

• Example: "Complete the Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer certification within the next 12 months."

• Create a Roadmap:

• Outline the steps needed to achieve each long-term goal.

• Example: "Enroll in a certification course, allocate 5 hours per week for study, complete practice exams."

Steps to Perform a Weekly Long-Term Goals Review

• Schedule a Regular Review Time:

• Set aside a specific time each week for your review session.

• Example: Every Sunday evening from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

• Gather Your Materials:

• Collect your goal-setting documents, progress trackers, and any relevant notes.

• Example: Use a digital tool like Trello or a physical planner to track your goals and progress.

• Review Your Long-Term Goals:

• Revisit your long-term goals to remind yourself of your objectives.

• Example: "Review the goal to complete the Google Cloud certification."

• Assess Progress:

• Evaluate the progress you’ve made towards each goal over the past week.

• Example: "Completed two modules of the certification course and passed one practice exam."

• Identify Challenges and Obstacles:

• Reflect on any difficulties you encountered and consider how to overcome them.

• Example: "Struggled to find study time due to work commitments. Plan to wake up an hour earlier to study."

• Adjust Your Plan:

• Make necessary adjustments to your action plan based on your progress and challenges.

• Example: "Reschedule study sessions to early mornings and reduce time spent on less critical tasks."

• Set Weekly Milestones:

• Define specific milestones to achieve in the coming week that align with your long-term goals.

• Example: "Complete the next two modules of the certification course and take another practice exam."

• Reflect on Learnings:

• Consider what you’ve learned over the past week and how it can inform your future actions.

• Example: "Realized that early morning study sessions are more productive."

• Document Your Review:

• Keep a record of your review sessions, including progress, challenges, adjustments, and milestones.

• Example: Use a journal or digital document to log your weekly reviews.

Example of a Weekly Long-Term Goals Review Session

Sunday Evening (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM)

• Review Long-Term Goals:

• Goal: Complete Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer certification within 12 months.

• Assess Progress:

• Progress: Completed two modules and passed one practice exam.

• Identify Challenges:

• Challenge: Difficulty finding study time due to work commitments.

• Adjust Plan:

• Adjustment: Reschedule study sessions to early mornings (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM).

• Set Weekly Milestones:

• Milestone: Complete the next two modules and take another practice exam.

• Reflect on Learnings:

• Learning: Early morning study sessions are more productive.

• Document Review:

• Log: "Week 1 Review - Completed two modules, passed one practice exam. Adjusted study schedule to early mornings. Plan to complete two more modules next week."

Tools and Techniques for Effective Review

• Digital Tools:

• Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Notion to track goals and progress.

• Journaling:

• Maintain a journal to document your weekly reviews and reflections.

• Accountability Partner:

• Share your goals and progress with a mentor or accountability partner for additional support.

• Visualization:

• Create visual representations of your goals and progress, such as charts or vision boards.

• Feedback Loop:

• Regularly seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain insights and improve your approach.

By following these steps and using these tools, you can effectively set and review your long-term goals, ensuring continuous progress and alignment with your overall vision.

Tips for effective time blocking

Start small. Begin with blocking time for just a few key activities each day. Gradually expand as you become more comfortable with the technique.

Be realistic. Allocate sufficient time for each task, considering potential interruptions. Avoid overloading your schedule.

Use buffer time. Include buffer time between blocks to handle unexpected tasks or overruns. This helps maintain flexibility and reduces stress.

Batch similar tasks. Group similar tasks together to maintain focus and efficiency. For example, batch all administrative tasks into one time block.

Leverage technology. Use calendar apps with reminders to keep you on track. Consider using time-tracking tools to analyze how you spend your time.

Stay disciplined. Commit to following your time blocks as closely as possible. Communicate your schedule to colleagues to minimize interruptions.

Regular review and reflection

Regular review and reflection. Set aside time weekly or bi-weekly to review your progress, assess your time usage and reflect on your productivity. This practice allows you to identify areas for improvement and adjust your strategies accordingly.

For example you can do this at Friday afternoons or Sunday evenings. Book the time in your calendar to ensure it's a non-negotiable part of your routine.

Prepare for the review. Gather all relevant materials, such as your to-do lists, calendar, project plans, and any notes you've made throughout the week.

Review your goals and tasks. Look back at the goals you set for the week. Did you achieve them? If not, why? Review your completed tasks and assess whether they aligned with your priorities.

Assess time usage. Analyze how you spent your time. Tools like time-tracking apps (e.g., Toggle, RescueTime) can provide detailed reports. Identify any patterns of time wastage or areas where you were particularly productive.

Reflect on productivity. Consider what went well and what didn't. Were there specific times of day when you were more productive? Reflect on any distractions or interruptions you faced and how they impacted your work.

Identify areas of improvement. Based on your review, pinpoint specific areas where you can improve. This might include better prioritization, reducing distractions, or more effective time blocking. Set actionable steps to address these areas in the coming week.

Adjust strategies. Modify your time management strategies based on your reflections. This could involve adjusting your time blocks, changing your work environment, or setting new goals. Ensure that your adjustments are realistic and achievable.

Document your insights. Keep a journal or digital document where you record your reflections and insights each week. Review those notes periodically to track your progress over time.

Examples of Regular Review and Reflection.

Example 1: Weekly Review Session

• Friday Afternoon (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM):

• Review Goals: Look at the goals set for the week. Note which ones were achieved and which were not.

• Assess Tasks: Go through your task list and mark completed tasks. Reflect on any tasks that were postponed or took longer than expected.
• Time Analysis: Use a time-tracking report to see how your time was spent. Identify any significant time wasters.
• Productivity Reflection: Write down any observations about your productivity. For example, "I was most productive in the mornings but struggled after lunch."

• Improvement Areas: Note specific areas for improvement, such as "Reduce time spent on social media" or "Start work earlier in the day."

• Adjust Strategies: Plan adjustments for the next week, like "Set a timer for social media breaks" or "Schedule deep work sessions in the morning."

Example 2: Bi-Weekly Reflection Session

• Sunday Evening (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM):

• Goal Review: Reflect on the goals set for the past two weeks. Evaluate progress and note any goals that need to be carried forward.

• Task Assessment: Review your task lists and project plans. Identify any tasks that were consistently delayed or took longer than expected.
• Time Usage Analysis: Look at your time-tracking data for the past two weeks. Identify patterns, such as "Spent too much time in meetings" or "Productive during focused work sessions."
• Productivity Reflection: Write a summary of your productivity, noting any high and low points. For example, "Felt very productive on Tuesday and Wednesday but struggled on Monday."

• Improvement Identification: Highlight specific areas for improvement, such as "Need to limit meeting times" or "Plan more breaks to avoid burnout."

• Strategy Adjustment: Make concrete plans for the next two weeks, like "Limit meetings to 30 minutes" or "Schedule short breaks every hour."

Tools and techniques

Time-tracking apps. Use tools like Toggle, RescueTime or Clockify to track how you spend your time. These apps provide detailed reports that can help you identify patterns and areas for improvement.

Productivity journals. Maintain a productivity journal where you document your daily activities, reflections and insights. This can be a physical notebook or a digital document.

Weekly review templates. Create a template for your weekly review sessions. Include sections for goal review, task assessment, time analysis, productivity reflection, improvement areas, and strategy adjustments.

Mind mapping. Use mind mapping tools (e.g., MindMeister, XMind, or a piece of paper) to visually organize your thoughts and reflections. This can help you see connections and identify areas for improvement more clearly.

Feedback loop. Seek feedback from colleagues or mentors on your time management and productivity. Use their insights to inform your review and reflection process.

Strategic thinking sessions

Strategic thinking sessions. Dedicate regular time slots for strategic thinking and planning. This could involve scenario planning, trend analysis, or long-term project planning. By consistently engaging in these activities, you'll improve your ability to think and plan strategically.

Incorporating thinking time into your daily routine is essential for fostering creativity, strategic thinking, and overall productivity. Here are detailed steps and examples to help you effectively integrate dedicated thinking time into your schedule:

Steps to Incorporate Thinking Time

• Schedule Regular Thinking Time:

• Block out specific times in your calendar dedicated solely to thinking and reflection.

• Example: Reserve 30 minutes every morning from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM for strategic thinking and idea generation.

• Create a Conducive Environment:

• Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can think without interruptions.

• Example: Use a home office, a quiet corner in a library, or a park bench.

• Use the "Don't Open Email Until Noon" Strategy:

• Avoid checking emails or engaging in reactive tasks during your thinking time.

• Example: Spend the first few hours of your day on high-priority thinking tasks before opening your inbox.

• Prepare the Night Before:

• Outline the topics or problems you want to think about the next day.

• Example: Before going to bed, jot down a few key questions or challenges you want to focus on during your morning thinking session.

• Eliminate Distractions:

• Turn off notifications, put your phone on silent, and close unnecessary tabs or apps.

• Example: Use apps like Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distracting websites during your thinking time.

• Use Mind Mapping:

• Create mind maps to visually organize your thoughts and ideas.

• Example: Use a tool like MindMeister or a simple pen and paper to map out your ideas on a specific topic.

• Practice Mindfulness or Meditation:

• Start your thinking session with a few minutes of mindfulness or meditation to clear your mind.

• Example: Use apps like Headspace or Calm for guided meditation sessions.

• Engage in Physical Activity:

• Incorporate light physical activity, such as walking, to stimulate creative thinking.

• Example: Take a 20-minute walk while pondering a specific problem or brainstorming ideas.

• Reflect and Journal:

• Keep a journal to document your thoughts, ideas, and reflections.

• Example: Spend the last 10 minutes of your thinking time writing down key insights and action items in a journal.

• Use Strategic Frameworks:

• Apply strategic frameworks to structure your thinking sessions.

• Example: Use SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, or Porter’s Five Forces to analyze a business problem or opportunity.

Examples of Incorporating Thinking Time

Example 1: Morning Thinking Routine

• 8:00 AM - 8:05 AM: Mindfulness meditation to clear your mind.
• 8:05 AM - 8:10 AM: Review the key questions or challenges you outlined the night before.
• 8:10 AM - 8:30 AM: Deep thinking session using mind mapping to explore solutions and ideas.
• 8:30 AM - 8:35 AM: Journal your insights and action items.

Example 2: Midday Reflection Break

• 12:00 PM - 12:05 PM: Quick walk to refresh your mind.
• 12:05 PM - 12:10 PM: Review the morning’s work and identify any challenges or opportunities.
• 12:10 PM - 12:25 PM: Focused thinking session on a specific strategic issue.
• 12:25 PM - 12:30 PM: Document your thoughts and plan next steps.

Example 3: Evening Planning Session

• 8:00 PM - 8:05 PM: Reflect on the day’s achievements and challenges.
• 8:05 PM - 8:10 PM: Outline key questions or problems to think about the next day.
• 8:10 PM - 8:25 PM: Strategic thinking session using a framework like SWOT analysis.
• 8:25 PM - 8:30 PM: Journal your insights and prepare for the next day.

Tools and Techniques for Effective Thinking Time

• Mind Mapping Tools:

• Use tools like MindMeister, XMind, or pen and paper to create mind maps.

• Journaling Apps:

• Use apps like Day One or Evernote to document your thoughts and reflections.

• Meditation Apps:

• Use apps like Headspace or Calm for guided meditation sessions.

• Time-Blocking Apps:

• Use calendar apps like Google Calendar or Outlook to schedule and protect your thinking time.

• Distraction-Blocking Apps:

• Use apps like Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distracting websites and apps during your thinking sessions.

By consistently incorporating dedicated thinking time into your daily routine, you can enhance your creativity, improve strategic thinking, and boost overall productivity. Remember to be patient and flexible as you develop this habit, and adjust your approach based on what works best for you.

Effective delegation

Effective delegation. Practice identifying tasks that can be delegated and learn to delegate effectively. This skills is crucial for strategic time management as it allows you to focus on high-value activities that require your expertise.

Managing interruptions and distractions

Managing interruptions and distractions. Develop techniques to minimize interruptions and manage distractions. This might include setting specific times for checking emails, using productivity tools to block distracting websites, or implementing a system for handling unexpected requests.

Continuous learning and adoption

Continuous learning and adoption. Stay informed about new time management techniques and tools. Regularly experiment with different approaches and be willing to adapt your methods based on what works best for you.

Focused work

Single tasking

Single tasking. Focus on one task at a time instead of multitasking. Example: when working on a report close all unrelated tabs and applications. Practice: Choose one important task daily and commit to working on it without switching to other tasks.

Mindfulness and meditation. Develop your ability to focus through mindfulness exercises. Example: practice 10 minutes of mindfulness meditation daily to improve concentration. You could start each session with a brief mindfulness exercise (e.g., 2-minute breathing focus). When your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to the task at hand.

Energy management. Schedule focused work during your peak energy times. Example: if you're a morning person, tackle your most demanding tasks before noon. Practice: track your energy levels throughout the day for a week to identify your most productive periods.

Deep work rituals. Develop rituals that signal the start of focused work sessions. Example: make a specific type of tea or listen to a particular playlist before starting deep work. Other examples are doing a quick meditation or reviewing your goals for the session.

Regular breaks. Take short breaks between focused work sessions to recharge. Example: after 90 minutes of focused work, take a 15-minute break to walk or stretch. Practice: Set reminders to take breaks and actually step away from your work area.

Practice deep work regularly. Gradually increase the duration of your focused work sessions over time. Start with 30-minute sessions and work up to 90-minute deep work blocks.

Skill development

Skill development is a continuous process that involves deliberate practice, learning, and application. Here are detailed steps and examples to help you achieve effective skill development:

Identify skills to develop

Identify skills to develop. Determine which skills are most relevant to your career goals and current role. Example: if you are a data engineer aiming for a leadership role, you might focus on advanced data analytics, project management, and strategic planning.

Assess your strengths and weaknesses

Assess your strengths and weaknesses. Conduct a self-assessment of your current skill set. Identify gaps between your current skills and those required for career advancement.

Self-reflection. Take time to reflect on your past experiences, achievements and challenges. Example: think about projects where you excelled and those where you struggled. What skills did you use or lack in each case?

Use self-assessment tools. Utilize tools like SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) or personal competency frameworks. Example: create a SWOT matrix where you list your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities for growth, and potential threats to your development.

Seek feedback. Ask for feedback from colleagues, supervisors, mentors and peers. Example: conduct a 360-degree feedback survey where you gather input from various stakeholders about your performance and skills.

Analyze performance reviews. Review past performance appraisals and evaluations. Example: look for recurring themes in your performance reviews, such as consistent praise for teamwork but noted areas for improvement in technical skills.

Identify key competencies. List the key competencies required for your current role and future career goals. Example: for a data engineer aiming for a leadership role, key competencies might include data analysis, project management, strategic planning, and communication.

Benchmark against industry standards. Compare your skills against industry standards and benchmarks. Example: research the skills and qualifications of top professionals in your field and see how you measure up.

Conduct skills gap analysis. Identify the gap between your current skills and those required for your desired role. Example: if you aim to become a project manager, asses your current project management skills against the requirements of a PMP certification.

Use self-assessment questionnaires. Complete self-assessment questionnaires and inventories. Example: use tools like Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or StrengthsFinder to gain insights into your personality traits and strengths.

Examples of Assessing Strengths and Weaknesses

Example 1: SWOT Analysis

• Strengths:

• Strong analytical skills

• Proficient in Python and SQL

• Excellent problem-solving abilities

• Weaknesses:

• Limited experience in project management

• Public speaking anxiety

• Need to improve time management

• Opportunities:

• Enroll in a project management course

• Join a public speaking club (e.g., Toastmasters)

• Use time management tools and techniques

• Threats:

• Rapid changes in technology requiring continuous learning

• High competition for leadership roles

Example 2: 360-Degree Feedback

• Feedback from Supervisor:

• Strength: "Consistently delivers high-quality data analysis."

• Weakness: "Needs to improve delegation skills to manage larger projects."

• Feedback from Peers:

• Strength: "Great team player and always willing to help."

• Weakness: "Sometimes struggles with meeting deadlines due to overcommitment."

• Feedback from Direct Reports:

• Strength: "Provides clear instructions and support."

• Weakness: "Could benefit from more structured project planning."

Example 3: Performance Review Analysis

• Positive Comments:

• "Excellent attention to detail in data reports."

• "Strong ability to troubleshoot and solve technical issues."

• Areas for Improvement:

• "Needs to develop better strategic planning skills."

• "Should work on improving cross-departmental communication."

Example 4: Skills Gap Analysis

• Current Skills:

• Data analysis, Python programming, SQL, problem-solving

• Required Skills for Desired Role (Project Manager):

• Project management, strategic planning, leadership, communication

• Skills Gap:

• Project management: Enroll in PMP certification course

• Strategic planning: Take a strategic management course

• Leadership: Attend leadership workshops and seek mentorship

• Communication: Join a public speaking club and practice regularly

Align with personal interests

Align with personal interests. Consider skills that you're passionate about developing. Skills you enjoy are more likely to be developed thoroughly and applied effectively.

Set clear goals

Set clear goals. Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) goals for your skill development. Example: "Complete an advanced course in machine learning within the next three months".

Create a learning plan. Outline the steps and resources needed to achieve your goals. Example: "Enroll in an online course, allocate 5 hours per week for study, and complete one project to apply the learned concepts."

Use a variety of learning resources. Leverage different types of resources such as online courses, webinars, books, and workshops. Example: use platforms like Coursera, edX or Udemy for structured courses, and read industry-specific books and research papers.

Practice deliberately. Engage in focused practice sessions where you work on specific aspects of the skill. Example: if learning a new programming language, write small programs to solve specific problems and gradually increase complexity.

Seek feedback to find what to learn. Regularly seek feedback from peers, mentors and supervisors to identify areas for improvement. Example: share your work with a mentor and ask for constructive criticism.

Apply skills in real-world projects. Use your new skills in practical projects to reinforce learning and gain experience. Example: volunteer for a project at work that requires a new skill or start a personal project.

Examples of Skill Development

Example 1: Developing Advanced Data Analytics Skills

• Identify Skills:

• Advanced data analytics, machine learning, data visualization.

• Set Goals:

• "Complete the 'Advanced Data Analytics' course on Coursera within 3 months."

• Create a Learning Plan:

• Enroll in the course, allocate 5 hours per week for study, complete weekly assignments.

• Use Resources:

• Coursera course, "Data Science for Business" book, Kaggle for practice datasets.

• Practice Deliberately:

• Work on Kaggle competitions, create data visualizations using real-world datasets.

• Seek Feedback:

• Join a data science community, share your projects, and ask for feedback.

• Apply Skills:

• Use new techniques in your current job, such as optimizing data pipelines or creating predictive models.

• Reflect and Adjust:

• Review your progress monthly, adjust your study schedule if needed, and seek additional resources if you encounter difficulties.

Example 2: Developing Project Management Skills

• Identify Skills:

• Project planning, risk management, stakeholder communication.

• Set Goals:

• "Earn the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification within 6 months."

• Create a Learning Plan:

• Enroll in a PMP prep course, study for 10 hours per week, take practice exams.

• Use Resources:

• PMP prep course, "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)," online forums.

• Practice Deliberately:

• Manage a small project at work, apply project management principles, document lessons learned.

• Seek Feedback:

• Ask for feedback from your project team and supervisor on your project management approach.

• Apply Skills:

• Take on more complex projects, use project management software, and implement best practices.

• Reflect and Adjust:

• After each project, conduct a post-mortem analysis, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your approach for future projects.

Tools and Techniques for Skill Development

• Online Learning Platforms:

• Coursera, edX, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning for structured courses.

• Books and Journals:

• Read industry-specific books, research papers, and journals to stay updated.

• Practice Platforms:

• Kaggle for data science, LeetCode for coding, Project Management Institute (PMI) resources for project management.

• Mentorship:

• Find a mentor who can provide guidance, support, and feedback.

• Professional Networks:

• Join professional organizations and attend industry conferences and meetups.

• Skill Development Apps:

• Use apps like Anki for spaced repetition learning, Trello for project management, and Obsidian for note-taking.

How to know which skills to develop for highest impact?

Skill development

A few of the sub components of strategic time management seems to be; How to develop strategic thinking and planning, as well as decision-making under uncertainty, and negotiating and influencing skills?

Strategic thinking and planning.

Cultivate a big picture perspective. Regularly analyze industry trends and market dynamics. Stay informed about emerging technologies and their potential impact on the industry. Understand how your organization fits into the broader landscape.

Practice long term thinking. Set aside time for reflection and forward-thinking exercises. Develop scenarios and contingency plans for various future outcomes. Consider the long-term implications of current decisions and actions. More concretely this may include:

Trend analysis. Dedicate time each week to analyze emerging trends in your industry. Keep a journal or digital document where you record these trends and your thoughts on their potential long-term impacts. Revisit and update your analysis regularly.

Decision impact assessment. For every major decision practice assessing it's potential impacts over different time horizons - 1 year, 5 years and 10 years. Consider both direct and indirect consequences across various aspects of your organization or industry.

Backcasting and Horizon Scanning. Practice backcasting meaning working backwards from a desired future as well as horizon scanning which is systematically exploring potential future developments.

Technology Roadmapping. Create technology roadmaps that project the evolution of the key technologies in your field over the next 5-10 years. Consider how these developments might impact your organization's strategies and capabilities.

Historical Analysis for Future Projection. Study historical trends in your industry over the past few decades. Use this analysis to project potential future developments, considering how past patterns might inform future trajectories.

Decision-making under uncertainty

Consider multiple perspectives. Engage in cross-functional collaboration and seek input from diverse sources to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation and potential outcomes.

Develop adaptive strategies. Instead of focusing on fixed plans, practice creating adaptive strategies that can be adjusted as new information becomes available or circumstances change.

Avoid hindsight bias. When evaluating past decisions, be aware of hindsight bias and judge the decision based on the information available at the time, not the eventual outcome.

Embrace uncertainty. Recognize that uncertainty will continue to affect decision-making. Instead of seeking perfect information, focus on making reasonable decisions with the information available.

Scenario planning. Regularly engage in scenario planning exercises where you create multiple plausible future scenarios and develop strategies for each. This helps you prepare for various potential outcomes and improves your ability to adapt to uncertainty.

Develop a systematic approach. Apply basic decision theory to create a structured process for making decisions under uncertainty. This involves identifying possible outcomes, assessing probabilities, and evaluating potential consequences.

Negotiating and influencing skills.

Practice active listening. Focus on truly understanding the other party's perspectives, needs, and motivations. This will help you identify common ground and potential areas for compromise.

Develop your emotional intelligence. Work on recognizing and managing your own emotions, as well as reading and responding to other's emotional cues. This can help you navigate difficult conversations more effectively.

Prepare thoroughly. Before any negotiation, research the topic, anticipate potential objections and prepare counterarguments. Having a deep understanding of the subject matter will boost your confidence and credibility.

Role-play scenarios. Practice negotiating in low-stakes situations with colleagues or friends. This can help you refine your techniques and become more comfortable with the process.

Learn different negotiation styles. Familiarize yourself with various negotiation approaches (e.g., collaborative, competitive, compromising) and practice adapting your style to different situations.

Read widely on the subject. Study books, articles, and case studies on negotiation and influence to expand your knowledge of strategies and techniques.

Conclusion

I'm getting so excited about this stuff by just reasoning about how to become better and drilling down recursively deeper into the different components of what goes into it. It becomes more concrete and it feels like I actually can impact it.