Today, we dive into the world of productivity and task management with our special guest, Leslie Shreve, a renowned expert with over 20 years of experience. Leslie, the creator of the Taskology system, shares her insights on effective task management, proactive task selection, and streamlined processes that recover time and enhance productivity.
In this episode, Leslie discusses the importance of a clear system to prevent mental clutter and distractions, techniques for achieving inbox zero, and tips for managing emails and tasks efficiently. We explore the balance between efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity while addressing common workplace distractions and the inefficiency of traditional to-do lists.
Leslie emphasizes the need for a centralized digital task list and a tool-agnostic approach to streamline task management. We also discuss the pitfalls of complex productivity tools and the preference for simpler systems tailored to individual needs.
Stay tuned as we uncover methods to improve information, email, and task management and learn strategies for better time management. Plus, hear about Leslie's resources, including her book "Taskology," a productivity quiz, and the "Smart Steps" series. Join us for this insightful conversation aimed at transforming your productivity and workday efficiency.
Enjoy the episode!
YouTube: youtu.be/geuNN_xmBCw
Show Notes at TheSocialChameleon.Show
You can listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castbox, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Audible, Substack, or your favorite podcast platform.
Episode Highlights: Task Management and Beyond
In Episode 102, Tyson Gaylord and Leslie Shreve delve into the core concepts of effective task management, exploring how organized task lists and streamlined processes can transform your workday. Here are some of the key takeaways:
Task Management
A clear and systematic approach can help you avoid wasting time between tasks. You can also transition smoothly from one task to another without distractions like emails or voicemails.
Inbox Zero Strategy
Learn the art of archiving older emails and keeping only recent ones in your inbox. Daily email management helps prevent backlog and ensures timely actions.
Centralized Task List
Consolidate your tasks into a single digital inventory for improved efficiency and prioritization.
Managing Pending Tasks
Always keep track of tasks waiting on others, with scheduled follow-up actions to avoid forgetting crucial items.
Flexibility in Time Blocking
Leslie’s unique time-blocking method allows a flexible approach to managing tasks and emails, ensuring a balanced and productive workday.
Leslie Shreve’s Productivity Resources
Leslie provides several resources to help you on your productivity journey:
45-Minute Workday Breakthrough Call
Productivity Quiz
Identify your "productivity blind spot" and receive a personalized results report.
Smart Steps Audio Guide
Weekly 2 to 4-minute audio tips from Taskology to boost your productivity.
Special Report
Meet Leslie Shreve
Founder and CEO of Productive Day®
Creator of Taskology® The Science of Getting Things Done
Author of “Taskology: How to Unleash the Power of Your Most Productive Workday”
Leslie is a seasoned productivity expert who has been working with C-level leaders, executives, managers, business owners, and professionals across North America since 2003. Her expertise spans over thirty industries, where she has helped hundreds of clients improve their efficiency and productivity by as much as 300% in as little as four weeks. Her method, Taskology®, equips clients with strategies to reclaim 1-2 hours in their workday without needing overtime or working on weekends.
Leslie's clients, who were once overwhelmed by overflowing emails, excessive tasks, and time management issues, now praise the system as a game changer that enables them to gain control over their workload. Taskology® helps them prioritize tasks, organize information, and manage time effectively, which leads to greater clarity, confidence, and control throughout the workday. Clients who adopt Taskology® report working more proactively, with less stress, and achieving more in less time. As a result, they have more time for themselves, their families, and other personal pursuits outside of work. The system is often described as life-changing due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
Outside of her professional life, Leslie resides in the northern suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland. She enjoys cooking, reading, playing the piano, and decorating her home. Additionally, she loves spending time outdoors, socializing with family and friends, and traveling. A native of Maryland, she has a special fondness for steamed crabs and the Chesapeake Bay.
For those interested in learning how to boost their productivity and enjoy a more balanced life, Leslie invites them to schedule a call and discover how Taskology® can transform their workday.
Taskology: How to Unleash the Power of Your Most Productive Workday
If you’re like most busy professionals today, you're tired of the stress and frustration of working long hours in rushed, reactive workdays that leave you without a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.
You're committed to success, but with too much to do, too many emails, and not enough time, you don’t feel as productive as you could be, which is both frustrating and defeating.
Now imagine a workday in which you…
Proactively drive your most important tasks and projects forward
Gain 1-2 hours BACK in your workday—EVERY day—to use more productively
Easily manage the never-ending flood of email and dispense with it faster and easier
Eliminate the worries of forgotten tasks and follow-ups, lost information and missed opportunities, as well as the costs and consequences of these
Less stress, more peace of mind, and a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction at the end of the day.
Have more time—STRESS-FREE—at home to enjoy for yourself and with your spouse and kids.
In this easy-to-read business story based on actual client experiences, workload management and productivity expert, Leslie Shreve, reveals how to apply a simple, logical and easy-to-use system to take control of your workday—once and for all—so you can increase your workday efficiency, productivity and progress.
Summary from Amazon
Weekly Challenge
This week's challenge is to make decisive choices about the information you receive daily. Ensure that every piece of information is either stored properly, acted upon immediately, or discarded if not useful. This focused approach aims to declutter your mind and information management systems, helping you stay organized and maintain a high level of productivity throughout the week. Don't just let information pile up—address it with a clear system in place.
SELECTED LINK FROM THE EPISODE
We talked about getting and using Outlook—an older version—for the task management features. Leslie advises against using the web-based version. You need to buy Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Microsoft 365 Personal to get Outlook with the downloadable version.
There is also Office Home & Business 2021 and Microsoft 365. From my search, there may be the task problem Leslie was talking about when using Microsoft 365. I can’t confirm that at this time. There is a new Office Home & Business 2024 available. This might need a representative to figure out more of the details.
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