Extreme Productivity

August 20, 2012
One thing working people can agree upon today is that time is an increasingly scarce commodity: there is always too much to do and not enough hours to do it. Enter Pozen, an uber-productive executive who manages two full-time jobs and numerous writing projects while maintaining a healthy relationship with his family. Like many other how-to books on increasing personal and organizational productivity, Pozen emphasizes three factors: "set and prioritize your goals," "focus on the final product," and "don't sweat the small stuff." He provides worthwhile guidance on everything from developing writing and public-speaking skills to managing institutional chains of command. Of particular value are chapters on common but mundane aspects of corporate life like office meetingsâand why they should be avoidedâand maintaining productive travel habits. Constant pressure and conflicting deadlines and priorities can derail even the most diligent worker, so Pozen's methods for retaining focus are invaluable. These tactics arm workers and managers alike with the means to handle distractions with minimal disruption. Filled with useful recommendations on a wide variety of topics, this book will find adherents at every level of the company org chart. Agent: Jim Levine, Levine Greenberg Literary Agency.

September 15, 2012
Academic and former executive Pozen offers his set of recommendations on productivity, urging us to adopt a proper mind-set, to focus on the results we seek rather than the hours we work. He defines personal productivity as the quantity and quality of your results in achieving your own objectives. Presented in five parts, his advice and takeaway lessons include setting goals with specific priorities, focusing on final results, not sweating the small stuff, organizing your daily routine, improving reading comprehension, writing and speaking effectiveness, and long-term career decisions. His ideas are for all types of professionals, and he suggests action for certain stages of their careers. His insights on traveling effectively, embracing change, and balancing home and work are particularly valuable. He concludes, Regardless of your employer's culture, you can adopt most of the specific techniques in this book. . . . Ultimately, it is within your power to boost your results and reduce your working hours. An excellent how-to on personal productivity.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)