Switching from an individual contributor (IC) to becoming a manager is quite a shift for a developer. Apart from handling different tasks, it also means you've got to be excellent at managing your time.
Transitioning from handling different tasks each week to taking on a broader range of responsibilities is a significant shift. Instead of focusing on development, code reviews, DevOps and being on call, you'll find yourself responsible for a wider variety of tasks.
This shift can be particularly challenging if you're used to the focused, uninterrupted time of a 'Maker's schedule' (Paul Graham)*m as managerial roles often involve more meetings and diverse tasks that can disrupt concentrated work periods.
With more meetings and responsibilities, it can sometimes be tough to stay on track.
I propose a straightforward time management framework, we'll call the "Weekly Focus System" to help you manage your time effectively:
- Begin by scheduling a meeting with your direct manager to clearly define your role. Together, discuss "What success looks like" (credit to Gilad Naor).
Categorize your responsibilities into specific activities and assign each one a label (Technical = T, Product & Business = PB, Management = M).
Allocate a percentage of your time to each activity. (50% T, 20% PB, 30% M)
Break down each activity into sub-task and list them in order of priority from left to right. For example, if 40% of your time is dedicated to Technical tasks, break them like this: [Code Review, Tech Design, Code, DevOps].
Create a table with N rows and 2 columns, labeling them as Activity and Time.
Fill in the table as follows:
For each activity, note the time needed for a focused work block.
Determine the number of blocks required, specify the days, and calculate the total (e.g., "Code Review" 2h Mon, Wed => 4h).
Transform the matrix into recurring and actionable time blocks on your Google Calendar.
Commit to this plan, give it a try, and adjust it iteratively as needed.
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