S3E13 - Productivity Hacks Part 1: Boundaries, Deep Work and Getting Time Back as a School Leader

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Productivity isn't about doing more—it's about doing what matters most with the limited time and energy we have. As school leadership becomes increasingly complex, with endless demands competing for our attention, finding ways to work smarter becomes essential to our effectiveness and wellbeing.
In this solo episode, I share my journey as someone who is "naturally disorganized" and a "follower of shiny objects" who has nonetheless developed systems that work. Rather than offering advice as a productivity expert, I'm speaking as a fellow traveler who has tried countless methods and found what actually works in the educational leadership context.
The cornerstone strategy I recommend is setting firm boundaries around your time. I also unpack practical techniques like the Pomodoro method for focused work sprints, calendar management strategies, and simple ways to leverage technology tools you already have but underutilize. Just as most of us only use our microwave's "one minute reheat" despite having thousands of settings, we typically scratch the surface of our technology's capabilities.
Try implementing just one of these strategies this week. Your future self—less frazzled, more accomplished, and with greater headspace for strategic thinking—will thank you for making the change.

Did you know there is more? You can access every episode, show notes, links and more via my website Positively Beaming.

Chapters

1. Introducing Solo Episode on Productivity (00:00:00)

2. Why Leaders Need Productivity Help (00:04:41)

3. My Productivity Journey as a Naturally Disorganized Person (00:06:01)

4. Boundaries: The Secret to Getting Important Work Done (00:07:38)

5. Calendar Management and Protecting Your Time (00:10:18)

6. Managing Interruptions in School Settings (00:15:17)

7. The Pomodoro Technique for School Leaders (00:18:34)