The team started the year by having a discussion on Deep Work by Cal Newport.

A few key highlights that were discussed:

• Start batching tasks, and focus on the important ones when starting your day
• Deep work can differ and vary from person to person.
• Deep work means
  • Aiming at high value outcome
  • A distraction free environment
  • Routine
  • Clarity
  • Concentration
  • Organised
• Follow a shut down period routine. Note your thoughts/ tasks on a piece of paper to reflect back the next day
• Plan your day based on meetings and be organised
• Have clear outcomes and deep work scheduled for those things

Some questions (based on the book) that all XEN members should ask themselves:

1. What does Deep work mean to you?
2. How are we incorporating the learnings mentioned in the book?
3. Is there a process that you use in particular (especially after reading the book) and have found that you are getting some deep work done?
4. Evaluate the work that you are currently doing. Is there any low value stuff that you are working on?
5. A question for DCs, what tasks can we probably take off from Kylie, Roselen, Tara & Craig?
6. Think of the best use of all our time

The four philosophies covered in the book:

Recording: Link