Guest Introduction:
David Allen is widely considered to be the world’s leading expert on personal and organizational productivity. He has more than 30 years of pioneering research and experience as a management consultant and executive coach to some of America’s most prestigious organizations, such as New York Life, the World Bank, and the U.S. Navy. David is the author of 3 books, including the international best-seller “Getting Things Done,” which TIME magazine called “the defining self-help business book of its time.” He is also the founder of the David Allen Company, an executive coaching firm using his “Getting Things Done” work-life management methodology.
Interview Summary:
In this interview, David walks us through his five-step GTD methodology: capture, clarify, organize, reflect, engage. We ask him to provide some examples of how he uses GTD in his daily planning. David reveals common mistakes that people make when trying to apply GTD. He talks about the importance of being specific in defining your goals. He also discusses the concept of trusted choice, and how someone can determine what they need to focus on.
David then talks about how our minds become clouded and overwhelmed, which ultimately hinders our productivity. He discusses how changing our mindsets to start seeing problems as projects can enhance our productivity and overall quality of life. He also explains why having clarity clears up space in our minds to connect more deeply with others.
Finally, we ask David about some of the other ways people have applied his GTD methodology, and what he has learned from some of his most successful clients. He talks about the purpose of productivity, and why it’s often a misunderstood word. As a last piece of advice, David emphasizes the importance of taking time to relax and recharge, and how this helps us to be more productive and successful.
Mike
Mike is the Producer for the Craft of Charisma Podcast.