M
Mike Ferguson
Guest
Before I even finished reading GTD I ordered books for the entire office. I sent out an email to everyone inviting them to read the book with me. Within 10 minutes of sending the email, three people had come into my office to pick-up a book. By the end of the day, almost everyone had one (including our lawyer). The people who have not asked for the book are those who are already productive in jobs that have well defined “edges."
The entire office is deeply involved in planning a major event in April, but following that, we have said that we’ll be happy to take each member of the staff off duty for two days whenever they are ready to begin implementation. Also, anyone who reads the book will receive their own p-touch labeler. We keep a well stocked supply closet, but we’re still going to give everyone attempting to implement GTD some office supply “mad money” to spend on tools
Using GTD is optional and I’m trying hard not to create even indirect pressure on anyone to read the book or adopt the ideas and practices. My motivation has been, primarily, that I’d like to have people around to talk to about implementing GTD, people who understand my work flow challenges and environment. I think I’m prepared to see people simply adopting tricks and tips but not commit to the entire system, and remain encouraging. People seem genuinely excited and we are planning a GTD lunch in May where we can all talk about how implementation is going for each of us, ask for help, or pass along tips. I also have all the various CD’s available for our auditory learners.
So, enough front-loading. I’m wondering if anyone has experience, from a managers perspective, in working with staff who are trying to implement GTD (and it is “working with staff” since I am not presenting this to them as someone who has been using it successfully, but as someone who feels like it’s been awhile since I had any control over my work flow and needs to grow as an executive) If so, are their mistakes I can avoid or strategies that have succeeded for others? Maybe having made the books available is enough and I should just sort of back off and let whatever might happen happen. Maybe this has been discussed and I just need to be pointed to a thread, but I wasn’t sure what topic to search. Any insight is much appreciated.
-Mike
The entire office is deeply involved in planning a major event in April, but following that, we have said that we’ll be happy to take each member of the staff off duty for two days whenever they are ready to begin implementation. Also, anyone who reads the book will receive their own p-touch labeler. We keep a well stocked supply closet, but we’re still going to give everyone attempting to implement GTD some office supply “mad money” to spend on tools
Using GTD is optional and I’m trying hard not to create even indirect pressure on anyone to read the book or adopt the ideas and practices. My motivation has been, primarily, that I’d like to have people around to talk to about implementing GTD, people who understand my work flow challenges and environment. I think I’m prepared to see people simply adopting tricks and tips but not commit to the entire system, and remain encouraging. People seem genuinely excited and we are planning a GTD lunch in May where we can all talk about how implementation is going for each of us, ask for help, or pass along tips. I also have all the various CD’s available for our auditory learners.
So, enough front-loading. I’m wondering if anyone has experience, from a managers perspective, in working with staff who are trying to implement GTD (and it is “working with staff” since I am not presenting this to them as someone who has been using it successfully, but as someone who feels like it’s been awhile since I had any control over my work flow and needs to grow as an executive) If so, are their mistakes I can avoid or strategies that have succeeded for others? Maybe having made the books available is enough and I should just sort of back off and let whatever might happen happen. Maybe this has been discussed and I just need to be pointed to a thread, but I wasn’t sure what topic to search. Any insight is much appreciated.
-Mike