GTD Introduction - in the Press 2008
When I revamped the look and theme of this blog it was with the intent of introducing the Getting Things Done or GTD methodology I have been learning about and implementing over the past few years to friends, family and readers of this blog. I thought one of the best ways to do that was to link to and highlight some recent articles about David Allen and GTD in the Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine, Business Week and Costco Connection.
The December edition of Costco’s magazine featured David Allen on the front cover as a way of promoting his new book “Making it all Happen” that went on sale December 23rd. Both his new book as well as the International best-seller “Getting Things Done” are featured on the sidebar of this website through Amazon. The books are of course the best way to get a full introduction but all four of these articles do a good job of at least convincing the reader of why the system has gained so much notoriety as well a glimpse into what GTD is all about.
In the interview with Costco David Allen is asked to explain how he would describe GTD to someone who is unfamiliar with it. He says that, “its about the agreements we make with ourselves and how we honor them. We spend so much time worrying about the agreements we have made with others, but it begins with making and keeping agreements with ourselves (and) eliminating the negativity that happens when we don’t.”
Business Week says, “Allen’s method of getting things done focuses on two basic concepts. The first is that by dumping all the tasks floating around in our heads (everything from “buy toothpaste” to “write strategic plan”) onto paper or into software, and then sorting them into a system of lists, we become better able to deal with the unexpected crises that disrupt our days. The second is that the complex projects that populate our to-do lists (say, “hire marketing manager”) should be broken into granular “next actions” (”e-mail recruiter” and “call HR about firing current one”). Other closely followed tenets include a well-sorted filing system, a two-hour “weekly review,” and that most holy of GTD grails: an empty e-mail in-box.”
Fortune magazine in September of this year compared 3 self help gurus: David Allen, Stephen Covey and Jim Loehr. At the end of the article the author stated that he felt the GTD method “to be the most useful.”
In the article the GTD process is described as getting all the nagging tasks, grand ideas and unresolved projects out of your head and into a “trusted system.” This will free the mind to think, dream and focus on a single task rather than worrying about everything else not getting done.
One of David Allens favorite sayings is, “Your mind is for having ideas, not for holding them.”
He tells the Wall Street Journal that the Getting Things Done method is nothing more than “advanced common sense.” The idea is to focus on one task without worrying about forgetting another. If you have to “think of things more than once, you’re making a mistake.”
There is of course much more to this than what has been stated but I thought a little introduction of this sort might wet some appetites. Please comment on whether or not you have ever heard of David Allen or GTD. As previously stated I have yet to come in contact with any personal acquaintance who has ever heard of it and yet there is a huge cult-like following around the globe.
source: costco connection dec 08
source: fortune magazine 1 sep 08 edition
Jan 7th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Jon, This looks very interesting. I had not heard of it before, but now have the book on hold at the library. I will let you know what I think.
Jan 22nd, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Byron,
Let me know what you think once you have read it.