Someone sends a meeting invite with the text “saw you had an open spot in you calendar”, and I need to explain that my job isn’t to just be in meetings.
I do in fact need time during the day to do the things I’m supposed to, many of which I’ve been told to do in those other meetings.
My boss had a serious talk with my team lead that went something like “stop scheduling meetings that start or end directly to another scheduled event unless its something company-ruining urgent”.
She is very considerate regarding other peoples time and always tries to leave at least 15 minutes between any meeting most of the time. She also demands a good reason and a short agenda for each meeting. If you cannot deliver this, she will not attend the meeting. On the other hand, “I feel lost and need to vent” is a valid reason for her.
I think she has something like ADHD herself and knows how draining subsequent meetings are. I have great respect for her and her achievements.
Block a quarter to half your schedule off with standing working time.
Not even kidding. I had an issue where I was falling behind on my work because I have the curse of competence and everyone wants my help. A couple years ago I got advice from one of my older coworkers to put a 2-3 hour standing meeting during my morning after the daily status meeting and it’s done wonders. I still have tons of ad hoc meetings and people who choose to double book me at times (cuz your schedule doesn’t matter to PMs), but overall ts given me a lot of space to deal with all the bullshit.
Why not decline such invitations? People plan based on your shared calendar, so of course they “book” others when they have openings. That does not mean that actually can make it.
Feeling this a bit in relation to work.
Someone sends a meeting invite with the text “saw you had an open spot in you calendar”, and I need to explain that my job isn’t to just be in meetings.
I do in fact need time during the day to do the things I’m supposed to, many of which I’ve been told to do in those other meetings.
My boss had a serious talk with my team lead that went something like “stop scheduling meetings that start or end directly to another scheduled event unless its something company-ruining urgent”.
She is very considerate regarding other peoples time and always tries to leave at least 15 minutes between any meeting most of the time. She also demands a good reason and a short agenda for each meeting. If you cannot deliver this, she will not attend the meeting. On the other hand, “I feel lost and need to vent” is a valid reason for her.
I think she has something like ADHD herself and knows how draining subsequent meetings are. I have great respect for her and her achievements.
That is a boss you need to cherish. Follow them through hell and back if you must, but keep them close.
Where does one apply?
Block a quarter to half your schedule off with standing working time.
Not even kidding. I had an issue where I was falling behind on my work because I have the curse of competence and everyone wants my help. A couple years ago I got advice from one of my older coworkers to put a 2-3 hour standing meeting during my morning after the daily status meeting and it’s done wonders. I still have tons of ad hoc meetings and people who choose to double book me at times (cuz your schedule doesn’t matter to PMs), but overall ts given me a lot of space to deal with all the bullshit.
Why not decline such invitations? People plan based on your shared calendar, so of course they “book” others when they have openings. That does not mean that actually can make it.
I time block tasks into my calendar for this reason.