Get Sh*t done in IT (EN)

In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses how to speed up the planning and processing of to-dos. He emphasizes the importance of having a single system to manage all tasks, as it allows for better visibility of dependencies and connections between tasks. He also advises on the need to plan the actions and next steps for each task, as well as the importance of planning the right environment and equipment. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of discipline in executing tasks and not making excuses. Overall, the episode provides practical advice for optimizing task management.

Takeaways
Have a single system to manage all your tasks for better visibility of dependencies and connections.
Plan the actions and next steps for each task to have a realistic estimation of the time needed.
Consider the right environment and equipment needed for each task to optimize productivity.
Practice discipline in executing tasks and avoid making excuses.

Sound Bites
"How can I speed up the planning and processing of to-dos?"
"Have a single source of all your to-dos to see the relationships and dependencies."
"Plan the actions and next steps for each task to have a realistic estimation of the time needed."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Speeding Up Planning and Processing of To-Dos
01:26 Chapter 1: The Power of a Single System for Task Management
02:22 Chapter 2: Planning for Success: Actions, Next Steps, and Time Estimations
03:20 Chapter 3: Creating the Right Environment for Productivity
07:05 Chapter 4: Discipline in Execution: Just Do It and Make It Happen

In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses how to prioritize tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix. He emphasizes the importance of having a single source for all tasks and the need to classify them as urgent and important, not urgent but important, urgent but not important, or neither urgent nor important. He suggests planning tasks realistically based on their estimated time and recommends starting with the tasks you don't want to do first (the 'eat the frog' approach). The episode concludes with a reminder to send questions for future episodes.

Takeaways
Having a single source for all tasks is essential for effective prioritization.
The Eisenhower Matrix helps classify tasks as urgent and important, not urgent but important, urgent but not important, or neither urgent nor important.
Plan tasks realistically based on their estimated time to avoid stress and unrealistic expectations.
Start with the tasks you don't want to do first (the 'eat the frog' approach) to eliminate the burden of remembering them throughout the day.

Sound Bites
"There are a lot of methods, a lot of ways how to do it. And in my opinion, there is one way and one very logical way to do it."
"Plan your week ahead. And this is definitely a very good invested time because it really helps you to be more productive and don't lose any time on shifting to-dos or whatever."
"First classify all your to-dos in those four fields you see in the Eisenhower matrix."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Eisenhower Matrix
02:22 Planning Your Week Ahead
03:22 Classifying Tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix
05:46 Planning Tasks Based on Classification
07:37 Starting with the Tasks You Don't Want to Do First
09:04 Conclusion and Call for Questions

In this episode, Michael Seidl shares his rules and guidelines for managing a clear and clean calendar. He discusses the importance of booking types in calendars and how they can help in managing appointments and availability. He also emphasizes the need to store all tasks and to-dos in the calendar with specific time slots, rather than as general notes. Additionally, he advises against double bookings and suggests using different colors for different types of appointments. The goal is to have a clear and visible calendar that allows for easy identification of availability and tasks.

Takeaways
Choose the appropriate booking type in your calendar to manage appointments and availability effectively.
Store all tasks and to-dos in your calendar with specific time slots to ensure they are prioritized and completed.
Avoid double bookings by using different colors for different types of appointments.
Maintain a clear and visible calendar to easily identify availability and tasks at a glance.

Sound Bites
"How to manage your calendar"
"The importance of booking types"
"Everything has to be in your calendar"

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Managing Your Calendar
00:30 The Importance of Booking Types
04:14 Storing Tasks and To-Dos in Your Calendar
07:07 Avoiding Double Bookings
08:06 Creating a Clear and Visible Calendar
09:01 Conclusion: Stay Productive

In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses the best way to learn new things in the IT sector. He emphasizes the importance of attending classes or courses to learn the basics of a topic quickly. However, he also highlights the need for continuous learning and application of the knowledge gained. Michael emphasizes the importance of having support from IT leaders and teammates, as well as the right mindset to overcome challenges and setbacks. He concludes by stating that learning a new topic requires time and effort outside of regular working hours.

Takeaways
Attending classes or courses can help in quickly learning the basics of a new topic in the IT sector.
Continuous learning and application of knowledge is crucial for effective learning.
Having support from IT leaders and teammates is important for learning and growth.
The right mindset is essential to overcome challenges and setbacks while learning.
Learning a new topic requires time and effort outside of regular working hours.

Sound Bites
"To learn a new topic, it can really help to go to a classroom or any studying company to learn the basics."
"You can sit in some lessons for however many days you like, but it is more important to take that learning and bring it to your department, to use that new knowledge."
"You're not finished with learning with any topic. There is always something you can learn."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Question from Lucas
03:26 Taking Learning Beyond the Classroom
06:21 Continuous Learning and Evolving Knowledge
07:19 The Role of Mindset in Learning
08:46 Learning Requires Time and Effort
10:15 Summary and Conclusion

Summary
In this episode, Michael Seidl shares his insights and tips on how to avoid distractions and have a productive work time. He emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and positive distractions, and focuses on finding one to two hours of concentrated work. He discusses the right place to work, the need for a dedicated space with a closed door, and the use of headphones to create a focused environment. He also emphasizes the importance of planning focus time in advance and removing distractions such as smartphones and other gadgets. Finally, he highlights the need to clear open loops and tasks from the mind before starting focus time.

Takeaways
Take breaks and allow for positive distractions to maintain focus and productivity.
Create a dedicated space with a closed door to minimize distractions.
Plan focus time in advance and set clear goals for each session.
Remove distractions such as smartphones and gadgets from the workspace.
Clear open loops and tasks from the mind before starting focus time.

Sound Bites

"You need some breaks, you need some positive distractions."
"Have a room where you can close the door."
"Move away all those things, those which can distract you from your focus time."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: How to Avoid Distractions
02:23 Creating the Right Environment for Focus
03:22 Planning and Setting Goals for Focus Time
07:09 Removing Distractions from the Workspace
09:34 Clearing Open Loops and Tasks from the Mind
12:51 Conclusion: Stay Productive

Summary
In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses how to become a Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional). He explains that an MVP is not just a technical expert, but someone who actively contributes to the Microsoft community by sharing knowledge and insights. Michael outlines the process of becoming an MVP, which involves doing community work and being nominated by other MVPs. He emphasizes that the motivation should be a genuine passion for community work, rather than the desire for the MVP title. Michael also highlights the ongoing commitment required to maintain MVP status and the lack of financial compensation from Microsoft.

Takeaways
An MVP is a Microsoft Valuable Professional who actively contributes to the Microsoft community by sharing knowledge and insights.
Becoming an MVP involves doing community work and being nominated by other MVPs.
The motivation to become an MVP should be a genuine passion for community work, rather than the desire for the MVP title.
Maintaining MVP status requires ongoing community contributions and reapplying every year.

Sound Bites
"How to become an MVP?"
"MVP means Microsoft Valuable Professional"
"Microsoft MVP award is an award for community work"

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: What is an MVP?
02:57 MVP as an Award for Community Work
06:21 The Importance of Genuine Motivation
08:15 Maintaining MVP Status
09:06 The Lack of Financial Compensation for MVPs
10:29 Conclusion: Enjoy Your Week

In this episode, Michael Seidl shares recommendations on how to become a tech speaker. He suggests starting with remote sessions to gain confidence and experience. Then, progressing to smaller on-site conferences before speaking on stage at larger events. He emphasizes the importance of feedback from the right people and learning from other speakers. Michael also encourages tech speakers to not be afraid of not knowing everything and to use feedback to improve their sessions.

Takeaways
Start with remote sessions to gain confidence and experience
Progress to smaller on-site conferences before speaking on stage at larger events
Seek feedback from the right people and use it to improve
Learn from other speakers and observe their techniques
Don't be afraid of not knowing everything and be open to different perspectives

Sound Bites

"Are you willing to do speaking in front of people?"
"I prefer an on-prem session mainly. But for beginning, I think it's definitely better than going directly on stage to have a remote session."
"The last step is to do it on stage. You will get a session or you try to get a session which is on-site, which is on stage, which is mainly a one-day conference or more."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: How to Become a Tech Speaker
00:30 Starting Small: Remote Sessions
04:19 Progressing to On-Site Conferences
09:02 Finding Conferences and Proposing Sessions
10:54 Embracing Imperfection and Feedback

Summary
Reflecting on the day is beneficial for productivity and mental well-being. The shift to remote work during the pandemic eliminated travel time, making it necessary to find new ways to transition from work to personal life. Taking 10-15 minutes at the end of the workday to reflect and finish the day helps free up the mind and allows for quality time with family. This time can be used to check emails, go through notes, close open loops, and plan for the next day. Reflecting on accomplishments provides a sense of achievement and helps identify next steps. A good morning starts in the evening before, so cleaning up open loops and planning ahead leads to a more relaxed and focused morning.

Takeaways
Reflecting on the day helps free up the mind and transition from work to personal life.
Taking 10-15 minutes at the end of the workday to check emails, go through notes, and close open loops is beneficial.
Reflecting on accomplishments provides a sense of achievement and helps identify next steps.
A good morning starts in the evening before, so cleaning up open loops and planning ahead leads to a more relaxed and focused morning.

Sound Bites

"Does it make sense to reflect on the day?"
"Make yourself 10 or 15 minutes before you have to leave, before you finish your work and reflect on the day and everything."
"To see that you have done something. That's a good feeling for your mental health."

Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Reflecting on the Day
04:21 Transitioning from Work to Personal Life
07:49 Reflecting on Accomplishments and Planning Ahead

Summary
In this episode, Michael Seidl shares his insights on how to make the best out of meetings and avoid struggling with too many or too long meetings. He provides four key tips: 1) Clearly communicate the purpose and expectations of the meeting in the invitation, 2) Determine if your attendance is necessary or if you can be an optional attendee, 3) Plan the meeting time based on what is actually needed, not based on arbitrary rules, and 4) Consider if the information can be shared through other means, such as email or video recordings, instead of holding a meeting.

Takeaways
Clearly communicate the purpose and expectations of the meeting in the invitation
Determine if your attendance is necessary or if you can be an optional attendee
Plan the meeting time based on what is actually needed, not based on arbitrary rules
Consider if the information can be shared through other means, such as email or video recordings, instead of holding a meeting

Sound Bites
"Everybody loves meetings, right? No, not really."
"You can leave a meeting or you just can decline a meeting."
"Make sure that you only plan the time you really need."


Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Struggle with Meetings
00:30 Tip 1: Clearly Communicate Meeting Purpose and Expectations
05:34 Tip 3: Plan Meeting Time Based on Need
07:59 Tip 4: Consider Alternatives to Meetings
10:49 Conclusion: Stay Productive and Connect with the Host