Ep. 255: The Failure of Cybernetic Productivity

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Over the past twenty years, “productivity” has come to be synonymous with using digital tools to speed up non-essential parts of knowledge work. As cal argues in this episode, this “cybernetic” approach has proven to be a complete failure. He explores why speeding up isn’t working and what this teaches us about what we need to do instead.

Below are the questions covered in today's episode (with their timestamps). Get your questions answered by Cal! Here’s the link: bit.ly/3U3sTvo

Video from today’s episode: youtube.com/calnewportmedia

Today’s Deep Question: Why doesn’t cybernetic productivity work? [8:40]

- What should I ask a potential hire about their time management habits? [31:55]

- How do I teach leaders how to work more deeply? [38:17]

- How did Cal become good at breaking things down into systems and processes? [48:06]

- How do I build task boards if I have many roles? [51:05]

- How do I find time to think in my busy job? [54:20]

Something Interesting: Taylor Sheridan’s “writing bunker” [1:02:48]

Links:

hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/taylor-sheridan-yellowstone-interview-1235519261/

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Thanks to Jesse Miller for production, Jay Kerstens for the intro music, and Mark Miles for mastering.