Do You Have a Manager or a Maker Schedule?


default

In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen explores the concept of “manager time” versus “maker time” and how it impacts productivity. Manager time is structured in one-hour blocks suitable for meeting-filled schedules, whereas maker time requires extended uninterrupted periods to foster deep work and creativity. Carrie highlights the frustrations that arise when creative individuals, or “makers,” have their workflow disrupted by meetings — a common scenario that’s often misunderstood by managers. Drawing from personal experience and borrowing insights from a developer’s write-up, Carrie explains why understanding these different time blocks is crucial for both managers and makers to optimize productivity.

Carrie offers practical solutions for managing these schedules effectively. For freelancers or those with more control over their time, she suggests dedicating specific blocks of time for deep work and scheduling meetings or errands around these blocks. For those working in more rigid environments, Carrie recommends starting with one protected deep work block per week and proving its worth through demonstrable productivity. Ultimately, Carrie advocates for a balanced approach that accommodates the needs of both managers and makers within the constraints of modern business operations.

Mentioned in this episode:

Carrie’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/crollwagen

Sign up for Carrie’s newsletter: https://gmail.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9c59a060684d71f12f6e495fc&id=98cd3122b9

Carrie’s Website: https://carrierollwagen.com/

Next Right Thing Podcast: https://emilypfreeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/The-Next-Right-Thing-185.pdf

Paul Graham on Manager Time and Maker Time: https://paulgraham.com/makersschedule.html

About Carrie

Carrie Rollwagen is host of the Localist podcast and cofounder of Church Street Coffee & Books. Currently, she works as Vice President of Strategic Planning at Infomedia, a web development company in Birmingham, Alabama. Find the Localist at @thinklocalist on Instagram and follow Carrie at @crollwagen.

Email with a purpose Let's Keep in Touch

Good news (and practical tips) for small businesses — we're not into being pushy or spammy.