David Allen Talks About Team Productivity and the Evolution of GTD

A Productive Conversation

In this special Flashback Friday episode, I reconnect with David Allen, the creator of the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology, to discuss his latest book, Team: Getting Things Done with Others, co-authored with Ed Lamont. We also revisit a classic conversation where we discussed the evolution of GTD, reflecting on its past, present, and the future of productivity practices.

David has been a regular guest on the show, and this time we dive into the complexities of translating GTD principles to a team setting, and how the GTD philosophy continues to evolve. We also touch on topics such as remote work, team dynamics, and the importance of clarity, trust, and adaptability in both individual and collective productivity.

Key Discussion Points

• David's new book, Team: Getting Things Done with Others, and the challenges of applying GTD to teams
• The importance of standards and clarity in fostering trust within a team environment
• The evolution of productivity tools and the core principles of GTD that remain unchanged
• How the brain processes tasks, multitasking, and the risks of decision fatigue in modern productivity
• The nuances of working by context vs. linear project management and how they support different working styles
• How GTD can be a lifestyle practice, providing a path to mastery that applies to both professional and personal life

It was (as always) an insightful conversation with David Allen, offering perspectives on how GTD remains a powerful productivity framework, whether you’re working solo or as part of a team. David's new book is a must-read for anyone looking to extend GTD practices beyond personal productivity and make teamwork more effective and cohesive. (Originally released July 2015)

Links Worth Exploring

• Connect with David: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
• Get David's book: Team: Getting Things Done with Others
• Revisit my fireside chat with David at Running Remote 2023: Watch it here
• Related Conversation: Episode 186: What Motivates Getting Things Done with Mary Lamia
• Related Blog Post: The Evolution of Contexts

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Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

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