As an Out of Office worker, one of your primary ways of connecting with others is through (on-line) meetings. To make it convenient for others to schedule meetings with you, you can share your calendar with them. This lets them know when you’re available. It should also inform them of when you’re unavailable. The latter isn’t just the time you’re in other appointments, it’s also the time you don’t want to be disturbed.
If you attend a lot of meetings then make sure you set aside time to get work done. This is called Time Blocking, and involves marking time in your calendar when you’re busy with work and so unavailable for appointments with others. Time Management Ninja, Chris Jarrow offers three tips about time blocking:
- Block time for personal tasks too
- Use only one calendar so all your obligations are in one place (and easily shared)
- Be ruthless! Chris regularly blocks 60% – 70% of his time
If meetings are killing your productivity then open your calendar and start Time Blocking.
