S1E24 Why Everything Can't Be a Priority!

In this episode of ByteWise, Daniela, Brian, and Glen tackle the ever-present challenge of prioritization, especially as the year ends and new goals loom. They discuss the difficulties of prioritizing in a shared organizational structure, where everyone believes their work is the most important. The conversation explores the importance of saying "no," managing expectations, and aligning projects with strategic goals. They also delve into practical strategies for staying focused and productive, including minimizing distractions, using planning poker for prioritization, and taking time for self-care.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritization is tough: Everyone thinks their work is the most critical, making objective prioritization difficult.
• Saying "no" is crucial: Learn to decline projects that don't align with strategic goals or are consistently low priority.
• Focus on a few things: Trying to do everything often leads to doing nothing well.
• Context switching kills productivity: Minimize distractions and interruptions to maintain focus.
• Use planning poker: This tool helps teams collaboratively prioritize tasks and projects.
• Align with strategic goals: Connect your work to the organization's overall objectives to increase its perceived value.
• Document everything: Keep records of decisions and recommendations, especially when your advice is overruled.
• Take care of yourself: Prioritize your well-being to avoid burnout and maintain productivity.

Resources Mentioned:

• Planning Poker

Related Episodes:

• The Agile Secret Sauce

Call to Action:

• How do you prioritize your work? Share your tips and strategies in the comments!

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