Attention is your scarcest resource (benkuhn.net)

Article summary

The article discusses the importance of attention as a scarce resource and how it affects productivity, especially in knowledge work. The author shares their personal experience of struggling to manage their attention as a manager and individual contributor, and provides strategies for conserving attention, such as monotasking, evading obligations, and timeboxing. The author also highlights the challenges of transitioning from an individual contributor to a manager and the need to focus on one thing at a time. By prioritizing tasks and minimizing distractions, individuals can optimize their attention and achieve greater productivity.

Main themes

• attention management
• productivity strategies
• management challenges
• individual contributor vs manager
• timeboxing
• monotasking
• distraction management
• human relationships and expectations

What commenters say

• Some commenters agree that being a good engineering manager while also having programming responsibilities is challenging and often requires going full-time managing.
• Others argue that it's possible to balance both roles with the right strategies and mindset.
• The idea of a '10x programmer' is seen as a myth that should be abandoned, as people have different strengths and weaknesses.
• Timeboxing and monotasking are seen as effective techniques for managing attention and increasing productivity.
• Some commenters disagree on the effectiveness of certain productivity techniques, such as blocking distracting websites or using instant messaging.
• The importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks is emphasized as a key aspect of managing attention.
• The challenges of managing human relationships and expectations as a manager are highlighted as a key difference from working with machines.
• The need to find a balance between being available to others and protecting one's own attention and focus is seen as a crucial aspect of productivity.