Cal Newport’s Push/Pull Approach to Project Management: PP120
Project management is one of those skills most of us have to learn. We aren't naturally great at it. In Cal Newport's latest book, Slow Productivity, he shares an approach to project management I've found helpful personally. It translates over to ministry really well.
So let's look at the push/pull methodology of project management.
Exploring Cal Newport’s Push-Pull Methodology
Book Recommendation: Newport’s "Slow Productivity" is a must-read for those immersed in knowledge work! While it isn’t the same as ministry, I find there are enough correlative behaviors to learn plenty of things.
Core Concept: The push-pull approach involves initiating tasks when you're ready, not just when they appear on your plate.
Understanding Knowledge Work in Ministry
Definition and Relevance: Ministry as knowledge work, where our goal is to convert effort and insight into impactful actions in the local church.
Managing Workload: Step into a more efficient management of expectations and task overload common in ministry life.
Delving into Push-Pull Methodology
Origins and Application: Developed at the Broad Institute. It focuses on the transition from a push (reactive) to a pull (proactive) model, providing a clearer timeline for tasks.
Impact on Workflow: Understanding and managing bottlenecks to improve productivity.
From Reactive to Proactive: A Shift in Approach
Identify Reactive Triggers: Notice when stress, peer pressure, or loud voices push you into reactive mode.
Proactive Strategies:
Prioritize outcomes.
Integrate strategic time management.
Build systems for repetitive tasks.
Enhance awareness of daily and weekly time constraints.
Integrating the Method into Personal Framework
Trello Utilization: Keep and regularly update a project board to categorize tasks based on their priority and readiness.
Awareness Building: Gauge accurate timelines, especially when collaboration is involved, to mitigate unforeseen delays.
Overcoming Challenges and Maintaining Discipline
Handling Surprises: Communicate deadlines openly when new projects arise unexpectedly.
Internal and External Balances: Maintain focus amid the lure of new and enticing project ideas by reinforcing discipline.
Community and Final Thoughts
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Episodes Mentioned:
Episode 61: Working and Keeping Systems
Episode 72: Task Layers (and designing the perfect ministry week)
Episode 78: Three Different Types of Ministry Weeks
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