I like the analogy of tasks like a plane. An interruption means you need to land the task and take it off again, which takes time. When you are already at peak speed, don't get interrupted
It’s really interesting. I’m not a programmer or developer. I’m a film editor. But we have the same problem. My job is to look at hours of film and cut it down to 60 seconds. (Mostly tv commercials). Also add VO, music, sound effects etc. It’s both a technical and creative job. When I get interrupted by my producer I usually just don’t work for another twenty minutes at least.
Here’s my guess on how it works in many industries. There are two groups:
- People whose job it is to send and receive messages. Producers, managers, CEO’s, CFO’s, supervisors, etc.
- People whose job it is to do a focused task. Creative or otherwise. Developers, Programers, filmmakers, plumbers, surgeons, nurses, jet pilots, Astronauts.
One isn’t better than the other. But the “message people” think they’re not being productive if they don’t “check in” on you. And the “task doers” can’t be productive if when they do.
Yes, exactly that. This is the same with all jobs that need prolonged focus times. And on the other side, we have people who don't need that. This is why I wrote this: we can work better together.
It is the main productivity killer for everyone that has a long lasting task as a job
True
I like the analogy of tasks like a plane. An interruption means you need to land the task and take it off again, which takes time. When you are already at peak speed, don't get interrupted
It’s really interesting. I’m not a programmer or developer. I’m a film editor. But we have the same problem. My job is to look at hours of film and cut it down to 60 seconds. (Mostly tv commercials). Also add VO, music, sound effects etc. It’s both a technical and creative job. When I get interrupted by my producer I usually just don’t work for another twenty minutes at least.
Here’s my guess on how it works in many industries. There are two groups:
- People whose job it is to send and receive messages. Producers, managers, CEO’s, CFO’s, supervisors, etc.
- People whose job it is to do a focused task. Creative or otherwise. Developers, Programers, filmmakers, plumbers, surgeons, nurses, jet pilots, Astronauts.
One isn’t better than the other. But the “message people” think they’re not being productive if they don’t “check in” on you. And the “task doers” can’t be productive if when they do.
Catch 22.
Solution? 🤷🏻♂️
Yes, exactly that. This is the same with all jobs that need prolonged focus times. And on the other side, we have people who don't need that. This is why I wrote this: we can work better together.
Thanks for sharing
awesome
Deep work block. That’s what we need the most at workplace.