S2 E43 Engineering Productivity | Matthew Gaddy

Being an Engineer · 8 Oct 2021 · 48m · Episode 43

What this episode covers

Matthew Gaddy, an electrical engineer and owner of Gaddy Consulting LLC, explains how engineers can escape 50+ hour work weeks by prioritizing 'must-do' tasks that directly align with specific goals. He details techniques for training focus, such as meditation and distraction-free time blocking, to enable 'deep work' on complex problems. Gaddy also advises on managing communication channels like Microsoft Teams and email, emphasizing that setting clear availability expectations prevents the productivity loss caused by perpetual availability.

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Making It · 51m

    Episode 030: Productivity.geocities.com

    Hosts Bob Clagett, David Picciuto, and Jimmy Diresta discuss strategies for maintaining productivity in small, one-person shops, focusing on workflow optimization and mental management. They cover specific techniques such as batching tasks to reduce context switching, using tools like Evernote and Trello for project tracking, and organizing physical shop spaces to minimize friction. The conversation highlights the importance of managing distractions, planning work backwards from deadlines, and dedicating time to 'tinkering' or R&D during quiet hours.

  • Making It · 1h 03m

    Episode 114: What keeps you from productivity?

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the factors that hinder or help their productivity as makers and content creators. They identify specific blockers such as interruptions, lack of interest in a project, and missing materials, while sharing strategies like using checklists, managing email, and leveraging new tools for motivation. The conversation also covers technical experiments with laser-cut living hinges and belt grinders, alongside practical advice on intellectual property and community engagement.

  • Making It · 1h 06m

    Episode 314: You have to trick yourself

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the psychological challenges of maintaining focus and productivity after the structured environment of their TV show ended. They explore strategies for entering a 'flow state,' such as eliminating distractions, using music to block out noise, and 'tricking' oneself into starting overwhelming tasks by breaking them down into small steps. The conversation also covers Jimmy's DIY porch renovation, David's interest in film photography and unique wood projects, and Bob's kitchen renovation delays.

  • Making It · 1h 00m

    526: Maybe It Doesn't Really Matter

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Diresta's El Dorado emblem casting and go-kart build, Clagett's pool house interior and climbing wall, and Picciuto's art show preparations. The conversation shifts to time management, with the hosts sharing struggles with distraction, notification overload, and the anxiety of forgetting commitments. They explore coping mechanisms like using dumb watches, writing notes on hands, and prioritizing family over productivity metrics, concluding that missing minor deadlines often doesn't matter in the grand scheme.

  • Shop Talk Live · 42m

    STL359: Making the Most of Shop Time

    Mike Pekovich, Vic Tesla, and Amanda Russell discuss strategies for managing limited shop time, emphasizing the use of detailed checklists and 'order of operations' to minimize setup friction and decision fatigue during short work sessions. The hosts address how to handle interruptions in large projects by breaking tasks into small, definable steps and using visual markers like grease pencils to track joinery locations. They also debate the value of deliberate practice, suggesting that building functional, low-stakes items like trays or boxes is more effective for skill acquisition than repetitive drills on scrap wood.

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