4 Reasons Leaders should GTD

by Paul on 9 October 2009

GTD (Getting Things Done) by David Allen is much more than a productivity methodology. Its much more a life style. So although I’ve moved the emphasis of this blog from productivity to leadership I’m still a GTD evangelist.

Photo courtesy of mag3737

Today I want to give you 5 reasons all leaders should get into GTD. Tomorrow I’ll be more specific about leaders in ministry.

1. You’ll Focus More on What’s Important

Or in other words, you’ll empty your head of what you shouldn’t be thinking about. Having a trusted system lets your brain know that it doesn’t have to keep reminding you about other things all the time.

2. You’ll Escape Email Hell

If you’re anything like me the most debilitating thing is getting stuck in email hell and the most freeing thing about GTD is the escape from this. I used to dread turning my email program on in the morning but since I discovered eProductivity for Lotus Notes (which is how I implement GTD) my whole mindset has changed.

3. You’ll Spend More Time Looking Ahead

There’s an old saying that you can’t drain the swamp when you’re too busy trying to stop the alligators biting your backside. A decent implementation of GTD lets you spend more of your time draining the swamp… Or even looking far enough ahead to work out that its the wrong swamp!

4. You’ll Spend More Quality Time With Your Family

Possible the most important benefit of all. The greatest thing you can ever gain from GTD is balance. If you’re using it just to gain productivity, working the same hours to get more done, or even working longer hours becauae of the extra benefits… then you’re really a GTD heretic!

A Call to Action

I dare you to give it a go. Seriously, you may be dubious about it but the proof of the pudding is in the eating! Buy the book. NZ readers go here and overseas readers here. Note both are affiliate links.