Get Sh*t done in IT (EN)

INTERVIEW In early October, the ExpertsLive US conference took place in New York. I was there as a speaker and was able to persuade a few colleagues to do podcast interviews. In this episode, I spoke with Morten Knudsen.

INTERVIEW In early October, the ExpertsLive US conference took place in New York. I was there as a speaker and was able to persuade a few colleagues to do podcast interviews. In this episode, I spoke with Rochelle Sonnenberg.

INTERVIEW In early October, the ExpertsLive US conference took place in New York. I was there as a speaker and was able to persuade a few colleagues to do podcast interviews. In this episode, I spoke with Samir Makwane.

Summary In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses the challenges faced when teams resist adopting new tools and solutions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the reasons behind this resistance, engaging employees in the decision-making process, and celebrating small victories to foster a positive environment for change. By addressing concerns and involving the team, organizations can successfully implement new technologies and improve overall productivity. Takeaways Find the reason for resistance to new tools. Engage employees in the decision-making process. Celebrate quick wins to motivate the team. Communication is essential for successful implementation. A cozy work environment can hinder progress. Involve the team from the beginning to the end. Educate and teach employees about new tools. Address specific concerns of resistant employees. Keep the team engaged throughout the project. Successful projects require collaboration and inclusion. Sound bites "Find the reason for resistance." "They were…

Summary In this episode of the Get Shit Done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl discusses the effective use of automation in business processes. He emphasizes the importance of identifying recurring tasks across all departments, choosing the right tools for automation, and integrating these tools to enhance efficiency. Michael also highlights the necessity of engaging employees in the automation process to ensure successful implementation and sustainability. The conversation wraps up with a call to action for listeners to consider automation as a critical component for their company's future success. Takeaways Automation is essential for improving efficiency in all departments. Identifying recurring tasks is the first step in automation. Choosing the right tools is crucial for successful automation. Integration of different systems enhances the benefits of automation. Start with simple tasks to build confidence in automation. Engaging employees is key to successful automation projects. Automation can significantly…

Summary In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses the concept of a Single Source of Shit (SSOS) and how to effectively integrate it into daily workflows. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear to-do inbox, prioritizing tasks, and utilizing travel time for productivity. The conversation also covers categorizing tasks based on work environments and the significance of automation in task management. Michael concludes by encouraging listeners to stay productive and look forward to future topics. Takeaways Single Source of Shit is essential for productivity. Regularly clear your to-do inbox to stay organized. Prioritize tasks using a scale from one to five. Utilize travel time for specific tasks that don't require internet. Categorize tasks based on your work environment for efficiency. Set clear statuses for your tasks to track progress. Integrate automation to streamline task management. Always have a to-do inbox for new tasks that arise. Plan your tasks around your availability and deadlines. Stay…

Summary In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses the implementation of a 'single source of shit' for productivity. He emphasizes the importance of consolidating all tasks and thoughts into one system, categorizing them for better management, and trusting the process to enhance efficiency in both personal and professional life. Takeaways Implementing a single source of shit is crucial for productivity. Everything in your mind should be documented in one place. Choose a tool that works for you, but focus on the process. Categorization helps in managing a large list of tasks. Trusting the system is essential for it to work effectively. Regular maintenance of the system is necessary for success. You need to commit fully to the system for it to be effective. Living the system means continuously updating it with new tasks. A single source of shit can reduce mental clutter. The effort put into this system pays off in the long run. Sound Bites "Everything needs to be in one list." "You need to trust the system."…

In this episode of the Get Shit Done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl discusses the concept of a 'Single Source of Shit' for managing tasks and productivity. He emphasizes the importance of mindset over tools, the necessity of having a complete system for task management, and the significance of planning and scheduling tasks effectively. Michael shares his personal experiences with various tools and stresses that everything must be included in the system for it to work effectively. Takeaways A single source of shit means everything you have to do needs to be in one place. Don't start with the tool; start with the mindset. Learn the workflow and bring that mindset into your daily routine. Everything needs to be stored in the single source of shit. You need to put 100% into the system for it to work. Your calendar is what you have to do; nothing else will be done. If you miss something, migrate to a different tool. The feeling of having everything under control is powerful. Plan everything out of your single…

In this episode, Michael Seidl introduces the concept of a 'Single Source of Shit' as a centralized system for managing tasks and to-dos. He emphasizes the importance of having all tasks in one place to enhance productivity and reduce overwhelm. The discussion covers the drawbacks of relying on multiple lists and inboxes, advocating for a singular focus on a well-organized task management system. Takeaways The term 'Single Source of Shit' is a humorous take on task management. A centralized list helps in planning and managing tasks effectively. Relying on multiple lists can lead to confusion and overwhelm. Your inbox is not a task management tool; it's a message system. Having a single source allows for better prioritization of tasks. Post-its can be useful for brainstorming but should not replace a central list. Seeing completed tasks provides a sense of achievement. A clear overview of tasks enhances productivity. Using digital tools like Notion can streamline task management. The concept will be explored…

In this episode of the Get Shit Done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl discusses the journey of becoming a Microsoft MVP, the importance of community work, and the commitment required to maintain MVP status. He explains the re-election process, the significance of passion for community engagement, and the realities of the time and financial investment involved in being an MVP. The episode concludes with encouragement for listeners to ask questions and engage with the community. Takeaways • You are entitled to name yourself an MVP for exactly one year. • The re-election process requires proof of community work. • Community work is essential to maintain MVP status. • Don't pursue MVP status just for the title. • Passion for community engagement is crucial for longevity as an MVP. • The MVP journey involves significant time and financial investment. • MVPs are re-elected once a year on July 1st. • Engagement in community activities is what truly matters. • There is no monetary advantage to being an MVP. • Listeners…

In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses the advantages of being a Microsoft MVP, emphasizing the ease of securing speaking opportunities, the community engagement aspect, and the limited business benefits associated with the title. He clarifies misconceptions about financial compensation and highlights the importance of community work and networking with product teams. Takeaways • It's much easier to be accepted as a speaker on conferences as an active MVP. • MVPs do not receive any monetary compensation from Microsoft. • The rewards for MVPs are primarily community-focused, not financial. • MVPs can access some products for testing but do not save money. • Being an MVP does not guarantee increased business opportunities. • The MVP title does not automatically attract clients or leads. • MVPs can attend the annual MVP Summit at their own expense. • Networking with product teams is a significant advantage for MVPs. • MVPs receive some merchandise and swag but no financial benefits. • Community work is the…

In this episode of the Get Shit Done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl introduces the concept of Microsoft Valuable Professionals (MVPs) and discusses the importance of community engagement in becoming an MVP. He emphasizes that being an MVP is not solely about technical expertise but about sharing knowledge and contributing to the community. The episode outlines the steps to becoming an MVP, including the need for consistent community work and the nomination process by existing MVPs. Takeaways • MVPs spread knowledge to the community for free. • Community work is essential to becoming an MVP. • Technical expertise is not a requirement for MVPs. • Passion for community engagement is crucial. • MVPs often focus on specific topics of expertise. • Nominations for MVPs come from other MVPs. • Community contributions can take many forms. • It's a long-term commitment to community work. • The MVP title should not be the primary goal. • Enjoying the process is key to sustaining involvement. Sound Bites • "You do a lot…

In this episode of the Get Shit done in IT Podcast, Michael Seidl shares his insights on preparing for a tech session. He emphasizes the importance of choosing a topic you are passionate about, the process of applying to speak at conferences, and the significance of engaging with your audience. Michael discusses his personal experiences and the time investment required to create a meaningful session, highlighting the need for real-life examples and audience interaction. Takeaways • Find a topic you love to talk about. • Passion for the subject enhances the quality of the session. • Preparation for a session can take several days. • Choose a conference that aligns with your expertise. • Write a compelling proposal to secure a speaking slot. • Use demos and real-life examples instead of fancy PowerPoints. • Adjust your content based on the audience's background. • Engage with the audience and encourage feedback. • Share personal experiences and failures to connect with attendees. • Foster a conversation rather…

In this episode of the Get Shit Done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl discusses the critical aspects of improving customer communication in IT projects. He emphasizes the importance of regular updates, listening to customer feedback, and building long-term relationships to enhance client satisfaction and project success. The conversation highlights the shift to remote work and the need for effective communication strategies to maintain strong client relationships. Takeaways • Regular updates are crucial for customer communication. • Communicate both successes and challenges to clients. • Listening to customer feedback can enhance relationships. • Adjust communication frequency based on customer needs. • Building long-term relationships benefits both consultants and clients. • Proactive communication fosters trust and satisfaction. • Remote work requires more intentional communication efforts. • Understanding customer preferences is key to effective communication. • Long-term relationships lead to better project…

In this episode of the Get Shit Dynit podcast, Michael Seidl shares his experiences from Experts Life India, highlighting the enthusiasm and engagement of attendees, the unique learning environment, and the importance of mindset in the startup culture. He reflects on the differences between Indian and Western conference attendees and emphasizes the joy of presenting to such passionate audiences. Takeaways Experts Life India had around 3000 signups, showcasing high interest. Attendees showed up two hours early, demonstrating their passion. The focus and engagement of Indian attendees are remarkable. Unlike in the West, Indian attendees are fully present and engaged. The conference was held on a Saturday, showing commitment from attendees. Many students are already planning startups while in university. Mindset is crucial for success in startups, not just the product. Feedback from potential customers is essential for product development. The joy of presenting to passionate audiences is unparalleled. Mark your…

In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses the implications of low code and no code platforms for developers. He explores the potential risks to job security, the evolving role of developers in a landscape increasingly dominated by automation and AI, and emphasizes the importance of adapting to new technologies to remain relevant in the field. Takeaways Low code and no code platforms can handle simple tasks. Developers are still needed for complex automation and scripting. AI tools like GitHub Copilot assist but do not replace developers. Understanding processes is crucial for effective automation. Embracing new technologies is essential for career longevity. Sticking to outdated technologies may jeopardize job security. Low code does not eliminate the need for traditional coding. Developers should focus on enhancing their skills and knowledge. Automation can simplify tasks but requires developer oversight. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to success. Sound Bites "Take new AI and evolve with it."…

In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses strategies for maintaining motivation during long projects. He emphasizes the importance of breaking projects down into smaller, manageable steps, celebrating small successes, and maintaining a clear understanding of the project's purpose. By adopting a phased approach, project managers can ensure continuous progress and motivation, ultimately leading to successful project completion. Takeaways It's important to plan projects in a specific way. Breaking down projects into smaller steps helps maintain motivation. Marking tasks as done provides a sense of achievement. Celebrating small successes can boost team morale. Phased approaches to projects can prevent failure. Reminding yourself of the project's purpose is crucial. Smaller steps allow for immediate outcomes and benefits. Long projects without visible outcomes can lead to frustration. Effective communication with team members is essential. Staying productive is key to project success. Sound Bites "Mark those…

In this episode of the Get Sh*t done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl shares practical advice on how to increase concentration in everyday work. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right environment, utilizing techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, and minimizing distractions to enhance focus. Michael also discusses the significance of taking breaks to maintain productivity throughout the workday. Takeaways Finding the right environment is crucial for productivity. Using headphones can help reduce distractions. The Pomodoro Technique is effective for maintaining focus. Scheduling focus time in your calendar can prevent interruptions. Removing physical distractions from your workspace is essential. Utilizing Do Not Disturb mode on devices can minimize interruptions. Closing unnecessary applications can help maintain concentration. A clean desk can lead to a clearer mind. Taking regular breaks can enhance overall productivity. Staying organized is key to maintaining focus. Sound Bites "Put on some…

In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses how to optimize the onboarding process for new IT employees. He emphasizes the importance of having a structured onboarding plan, assigning a mentor, and gathering feedback to continuously improve the process. The conversation highlights the need for clear communication and support for new hires to ensure a smooth transition into the company. Takeaways Have a structured onboarding plan for new employees. Ensure the new employee knows their journey from day one. Assign a mentor to help the new employee settle in. Gather feedback on the onboarding process regularly. Document the onboarding process for future reference. Automation can enhance the onboarding experience. Take time to engage with the new employee on their first day. Provide challenges to keep new employees motivated. Adjust the onboarding process based on feedback received. Create a welcoming environment for new hires. Chapters 00:00 Optimizing the Onboarding Process 06:08 Feedback and Continuous Improvement

In this episode of the Get Shit Done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl discusses the concept of technical debt, its implications, and how to manage it effectively. He defines technical debt, explains how it occurs, and outlines a three-step process for identifying, planning, and preventing future technical debt. The conversation emphasizes the importance of documentation, resource planning, and team education to maintain a healthy IT environment. Takeaways Technical debt refers to outdated systems and practices. Identifying technical debt is crucial for IT management. Documentation helps in managing technical debt effectively. External consultants can provide valuable insights. Prioritize technical debt based on impact and urgency. Educating the team can prevent future technical debt. MFA is a critical security measure to implement. Planning resources is essential for addressing technical debt. Awareness of technical debt is key to minimizing it. Continuous improvement is necessary to maintain IT standards.…

In this episode of the Get Sh*t done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl discusses strategies for maintaining productivity and organization after the holiday season. He emphasizes the importance of managing emails, keeping track of tasks, and maintaining a systematic approach to work. Drawing on principles from David Allen's 'Getting Things Done', he encourages listeners to regularly clean up their inboxes and stay on top of their to-dos to avoid chaos and overwhelm. Here is the Book Takeaways It's essential to reserve time to manage your emails after holidays. Clean up your inbox to maintain productivity. Regularly track your tasks to prevent chaos. Aim to have no unread emails or open tasks by week's end. The feeling of control is worth the effort put in. Implementing a system helps in managing daily tasks effectively. Reading 'Getting Things Done' can provide deeper insights into productivity. Revisit productivity books regularly to refresh your mindset. Small, consistent efforts lead to better organization.…

In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses how to utilize quieter times in the IT field to enhance productivity and prepare for the upcoming year. He emphasizes the importance of organizing tasks, removing unnecessary items from to-do lists, and planning for future projects. The conversation encourages listeners to take control of their workload and prioritize effectively, ensuring a smoother transition into the new year. Takeaways Don't wait for New Year's resolutions; start now. Organize everything into a single source of information. Remove outdated tasks from your to-do list. Categorize tasks into personal and business-related. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Plan projects for the upcoming year in advance. Understand your capabilities to set realistic priorities. Maintain a feeling of control over your tasks. Use quiet times for personal development and learning. Enjoy time with family during the holiday season. Sound Bites "Everything is under control." Chapters 00:00 Maximizing…

In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses effective strategies for daily planning, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead, being flexible for unforeseen events, and regularly reviewing to-do lists. He outlines three key points: planning your day the night before, allowing for unplanned tasks, and maintaining a single source for all tasks to enhance productivity and organization. Takeaways Plan your day ahead, ideally the night before. Be flexible for unplanned events that may arise. Regularly review your to-do list and remove unnecessary tasks. Prioritize important tasks in the morning. Maintain a single source for all your tasks to avoid confusion. Allow some buffer time in your schedule for unexpected issues. If a task hasn't been touched in a year, consider removing it. Planning helps in understanding what is truly important. Stay relaxed if your plans don't work out as expected. A clear overview of tasks is essential for effective planning. Sound Bites "Plan your day ahead." Chapters 00:00 Effective…

In this episode of the Get Shit Done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl discusses the concept of Zero Inbox, a method aimed at keeping email inboxes free of read emails. He explains the importance of processing emails effectively, setting dedicated time slots for email management, and the benefits of reducing distractions to enhance productivity. The episode provides practical steps to achieve Zero Inbox and emphasizes the need for commitment to this methodology for better focus and efficiency in work. Takeaways Zero Inbox means no read emails in your inbox. Process your emails and remove them from your inbox. Read every email just once and decide the action. Email is a messaging system, not a to-do system. Commit to the zero inbox methodology for better focus. Don't check your emails every five minutes. Set dedicated time slots for email processing. Batch processing can help manage your emails effectively. Reducing distractions increases your productivity. Let me know if you already use Zero Inbox. Chapters 00:00…

In this episode of the Get Shit Done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl explores the concept of flexible working hours, discussing its advantages and challenges. He emphasizes the importance of discipline and communication in remote work, and how maintaining team spirit is crucial for productivity. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to reflect on whether new work is a blessing or a curse for them personally. Takeaways Flexible working hours can provide better family care. Discipline is essential for productivity in remote work. Communication is key to maintaining trust with clients. Output should be prioritized over time spent working. Regular team meetings can enhance collaboration and spirit. New work can be a blessing if managed well. The environment plays a role in the effectiveness of new work. Team spirit can be maintained through informal gatherings. It's important to set clear expectations with clients. Each individual must assess their own work preferences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Flexible Working…

In this episode of the Get Shit Done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl discusses the common issue of unproductive meetings and offers practical advice on how to improve meeting efficiency. He emphasizes the importance of defining meeting topics and outcomes beforehand, considering alternatives to meetings, and prioritizing who should attend. Seidl also highlights that meetings do not have to conform to traditional time slots, advocating for shorter, more focused meetings to enhance productivity. Takeaways Meetings often waste time and could be replaced by emails. Define meeting topics and expected outcomes beforehand. Invite only those who can contribute to the meeting. Consider alternatives like emails or team updates instead of meetings. Shorter meetings can lead to more focused discussions. Participants should clarify their roles in meetings. Meetings do not have to be scheduled for long durations. Encourage concise communication to avoid unnecessary meetings. Use internal channels for information sharing…

In this episode of the Get Shit Done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl discusses the production process of the podcast, covering how ideas are generated, the technical equipment used, the workflow for producing episodes, and the time investment required for each episode. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement in generating content ideas and shares insights into the tools and automation techniques that streamline the production process. Takeaways The podcast production process is driven by community feedback. Technical equipment plays a crucial role in podcast quality. Notion is utilized for managing podcast episodes and workflows. Automation tools like PowerShell and Azure improve efficiency. Riverside is used for recording audio and video sessions. Adobe Audition is essential for audio editing and finalization. Social media content is generated from podcast recordings. Time management is key; each episode takes about an hour to produce. Mass production of episodes can save time in the long run.…

In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses the ongoing debate between hard skills and soft skills in the IT industry. He defines both types of skills, providing examples and insights into their importance in various scenarios. The conversation emphasizes the need for hard skills in immediate job performance while highlighting the long-term value of soft skills for adaptability and growth in one's career. Takeaways Hard skills are measurable abilities learned through education or experience. Soft skills are non-technical skills that describe how you interact with others. In critical situations, hard skills may take precedence over soft skills. Soft skills are essential for long-term career adaptability and growth. Hiring decisions should consider both hard and soft skills based on job requirements. A balance of hard and soft skills can lead to a more effective workforce. The IT industry is evolving, making soft skills increasingly important. Candidates with a willingness to learn and adapt are valuable assets.…

In this episode of the Get Shit Done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl explores the concepts of low code and no code platforms, discussing their definitions, practical applications, and the scenarios in which traditional coding may still be necessary. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying processes and systems when using these platforms, while also addressing their limitations and the decision-making process involved in choosing between low code solutions and traditional programming. Takeaways Low code and no code platforms allow automation without coding. Power Automate is a popular low code tool for Microsoft users. Understanding the process is crucial even in no code solutions. Complex automations may still require traditional coding. Choosing between low code and coding depends on personal preference. Low code platforms can be limiting based on available activities. APIs are essential for automation in both low code and coding. Testing and experimenting are key to mastering automation…

In this episode of the Get Sh*t done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl discusses how to manage pressure in the face of rapidly evolving technologies, particularly focusing on AI and cloud computing. He emphasizes the importance of staying calm, embracing new technologies, and using them wisely in business without succumbing to self-imposed pressure. Michael shares insights from his 25 years of experience in IT, highlighting the inevitability of technological change and the need for professionals to adapt without feeling overwhelmed. Takeaways Stay calm and don't put pressure on yourself. The time between new technologies is decreasing. Don't ignore or negotiate new technologies; they are here to stay. The future of IT is hybrid, combining cloud and on-premise solutions. AI is a tool to enhance productivity, not a replacement for human expertise. You don't need to be an AI pro to succeed in IT. Use new technologies as needed in your business. Self-imposed pressure can hinder your performance. History shows that…

In this episode of the Get Sh*t done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl discusses the significance of mentorship in the IT field. He explores different types of mentorship, including peer support, consuming valuable content, and engaging with paid mentors. Michael emphasizes the importance of finding a mentor who resonates with you personally and professionally, and he shares insights on how to identify the right mentorship opportunities for your growth. Takeaways Mentorship is a regular exchange of information and ideas. Having a colleague to share experiences with is invaluable. There are different types of mentorship: peer, content, and paid. You can gain a lot from consuming free content from mentors you admire. Finding the right mentor involves personal comfort and shared interests. Regular mentorship requires planning and commitment. Choose mentors based on your preferences and interests. It's essential to enjoy the content you consume from mentors. Mentorship can significantly impact your professional…

In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance in the IT industry. He challenges the traditional notion of work-life balance, advocating instead for an 'energy balance' approach. Michael emphasizes the significance of finding joy and fulfillment in work, suggesting that dissatisfaction and burnout stem from engaging in tasks that do not bring happiness. He encourages listeners to pursue work that they love and to be mindful of their energy levels, rather than strictly adhering to a 9 to 5 schedule. Takeaways Work-life balance is a misleading concept. Focus on energy balance instead of strict work hours. Engaging in enjoyable work can blur the lines of work and personal life. Burnout often arises from prolonged dissatisfaction with work. Finding joy in work can lead to better mental health. It's essential to identify what energizes you. Long-term unhappiness in work can lead to serious consequences. Work should be fulfilling, not just a means to earn money.…

In this episode of the Get Sh*t done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl discusses various automation techniques that can enhance productivity in everyday IT tasks. He shares personal experiences and practical examples of how he automates email management, calendar synchronization, and task management using tools like Outlook, Power Automate, and Notion. The conversation emphasizes the importance of automation in saving time and improving efficiency in IT workflows. Takeaways Automation can significantly enhance productivity in IT tasks. Using Outlook actions can streamline email management. Calendar synchronization prevents scheduling conflicts. Power Automate can automate calendar updates effectively. Task management can be improved with automation tools like Notion. Automation reduces manual effort and saves time. Syncing tasks between systems keeps everything organized. Simple automations can lead to substantial time savings. Feedback from listeners can help build a community of automation ideas. Automation is…

In this episode of the Get Sh*t done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl discusses the importance of networking in the IT industry. He shares personal insights and strategies for effective networking, including attending IT conferences, engaging in community work, and leveraging LinkedIn. Michael emphasizes the significance of building respectful relationships, as the IT community is interconnected and you may encounter the same individuals in different roles throughout your career. Takeaways Networking is essential for career growth in IT. Attending conferences can help you connect with like-minded professionals. Community work can enhance your visibility and network. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professional networking. Being active on LinkedIn can lead to new opportunities. Respectful relationships can lead to future collaborations. You never know when you'll meet someone again in your career. Engaging with others can provide valuable insights and support. Building a network requires stepping out of your…

In this episode of the Get Sh*t done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl discusses the concept of a 'single source of shit' for managing tasks and productivity. He emphasizes the importance of having a unified system for tracking to-dos, using Notion as a primary tool while focusing on the underlying mindset rather than just the technical aspects. Michael shares his approach to managing multiple inboxes and the significance of planning tasks effectively in a calendar. He encourages listeners to build their workflow first before selecting tools to enhance productivity. Takeaways The single source of shit is a unified task management system. Notion is a powerful tool for organizing tasks and notes. Your email inbox should not be your only task source. Managing multiple inboxes can streamline productivity. Tasks that take less than five minutes should be done immediately. Plan tasks as appointments in your calendar. Regularly review your 'someday' tasks to avoid clutter. Focus on building a productive mindset before…

In this episode of the Get Sh*t Done in IT podcast, Michael Seidl discusses how IT professionals can integrate new habits into their daily routines. He shares personal experiences and practical tips on finding the right time slots for new activities, overcoming challenges, and setting realistic goals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of commitment and consistency in developing new habits, particularly in the context of a busy IT work environment. Takeaways IT professionals face unique challenges in habit integration. Finding the right time slot is crucial for new habits. Early mornings can be an effective time for personal activities. Remembering the positive feelings from habits can motivate you. Commit to trying new habits for at least one or two months. Setting realistic goals is essential for success. Start with small, manageable steps to build momentum. Automation can help integrate new habits into busy schedules. Consistency is key to making habits stick. There is always a way to integrate…

In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses how to speed up the planning and processing of to-dos. He emphasizes the importance of having a single system to manage all tasks, as it allows for better visibility of dependencies and connections between tasks. He also advises on the need to plan the actions and next steps for each task, as well as the importance of planning the right environment and equipment. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of discipline in executing tasks and not making excuses. Overall, the episode provides practical advice for optimizing task management. Takeaways Have a single system to manage all your tasks for better visibility of dependencies and connections. Plan the actions and next steps for each task to have a realistic estimation of the time needed. Consider the right environment and equipment needed for each task to optimize productivity. Practice discipline in executing tasks and avoid making excuses. Sound Bites "How can I speed up the planning and processing of to-dos?" "Have…

In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses how to prioritize tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix. He emphasizes the importance of having a single source for all tasks and the need to classify them as urgent and important, not urgent but important, urgent but not important, or neither urgent nor important. He suggests planning tasks realistically based on their estimated time and recommends starting with the tasks you don't want to do first (the 'eat the frog' approach). The episode concludes with a reminder to send questions for future episodes. Takeaways Having a single source for all tasks is essential for effective prioritization. The Eisenhower Matrix helps classify tasks as urgent and important, not urgent but important, urgent but not important, or neither urgent nor important. Plan tasks realistically based on their estimated time to avoid stress and unrealistic expectations. Start with the tasks you don't want to do first (the 'eat the frog' approach) to eliminate the burden of remembering them…

In this episode, Michael Seidl shares his rules and guidelines for managing a clear and clean calendar. He discusses the importance of booking types in calendars and how they can help in managing appointments and availability. He also emphasizes the need to store all tasks and to-dos in the calendar with specific time slots, rather than as general notes. Additionally, he advises against double bookings and suggests using different colors for different types of appointments. The goal is to have a clear and visible calendar that allows for easy identification of availability and tasks. Takeaways Choose the appropriate booking type in your calendar to manage appointments and availability effectively. Store all tasks and to-dos in your calendar with specific time slots to ensure they are prioritized and completed. Avoid double bookings by using different colors for different types of appointments. Maintain a clear and visible calendar to easily identify availability and tasks at a glance. Sound Bites "How to…

In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses the best way to learn new things in the IT sector. He emphasizes the importance of attending classes or courses to learn the basics of a topic quickly. However, he also highlights the need for continuous learning and application of the knowledge gained. Michael emphasizes the importance of having support from IT leaders and teammates, as well as the right mindset to overcome challenges and setbacks. He concludes by stating that learning a new topic requires time and effort outside of regular working hours. Takeaways Attending classes or courses can help in quickly learning the basics of a new topic in the IT sector. Continuous learning and application of knowledge is crucial for effective learning. Having support from IT leaders and teammates is important for learning and growth. The right mindset is essential to overcome challenges and setbacks while learning. Learning a new topic requires time and effort outside of regular working hours. Sound Bites "To learn a new…

Summary In this episode, Michael Seidl shares his insights and tips on how to avoid distractions and have a productive work time. He emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and positive distractions, and focuses on finding one to two hours of concentrated work. He discusses the right place to work, the need for a dedicated space with a closed door, and the use of headphones to create a focused environment. He also emphasizes the importance of planning focus time in advance and removing distractions such as smartphones and other gadgets. Finally, he highlights the need to clear open loops and tasks from the mind before starting focus time. Takeaways Take breaks and allow for positive distractions to maintain focus and productivity. Create a dedicated space with a closed door to minimize distractions. Plan focus time in advance and set clear goals for each session. Remove distractions such as smartphones and gadgets from the workspace. Clear open loops and tasks from the mind before starting focus time.…

Summary In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses how to become a Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional). He explains that an MVP is not just a technical expert, but someone who actively contributes to the Microsoft community by sharing knowledge and insights. Michael outlines the process of becoming an MVP, which involves doing community work and being nominated by other MVPs. He emphasizes that the motivation should be a genuine passion for community work, rather than the desire for the MVP title. Michael also highlights the ongoing commitment required to maintain MVP status and the lack of financial compensation from Microsoft. Takeaways An MVP is a Microsoft Valuable Professional who actively contributes to the Microsoft community by sharing knowledge and insights. Becoming an MVP involves doing community work and being nominated by other MVPs. The motivation to become an MVP should be a genuine passion for community work, rather than the desire for the MVP title. Maintaining MVP status requires…

Summary In this episode, Michael Seidl shares recommendations on how to become a tech speaker. He suggests starting with remote sessions to gain confidence and experience. Then, progressing to smaller on-site conferences before speaking on stage at larger events. He emphasizes the importance of feedback from the right people and learning from other speakers. Michael also encourages tech speakers to not be afraid of not knowing everything and to use feedback to improve their sessions. Takeaways Start with remote sessions to gain confidence and experience Progress to smaller on-site conferences before speaking on stage at larger events Seek feedback from the right people and use it to improve Learn from other speakers and observe their techniques Don't be afraid of not knowing everything and be open to different perspectives Sound Bites "Are you willing to do speaking in front of people?" "I prefer an on-prem session mainly. But for beginning, I think it's definitely better than going directly on stage to have…

Summary In this episode, Michael Seidl discusses whether jobs are in danger due to AI and automation. He explains that while automation can help reduce workload and improve efficiency, it depends on the mindset of individuals. If someone is still doing low-level tasks that can easily be automated, their job may be at risk. Michael provides examples of tasks that can be automated, such as checking expired dates of certificates and generating marketing phrases. He emphasizes the importance of evolving and taking on more complex tasks to ensure job security. Additionally, he highlights the upcoming retirement of the baby boomer generation as a reason to start implementing automation and AI now. Takeaways Automation and AI can help reduce workload and improve efficiency. Jobs are at risk if individuals continue to perform low-level tasks that can easily be automated. Evolving and taking on more complex tasks is crucial for job security. The retirement of the baby boomer generation is a reason to start…

Summary Reflecting on the day is beneficial for productivity and mental well-being. The shift to remote work during the pandemic eliminated travel time, making it necessary to find new ways to transition from work to personal life. Taking 10-15 minutes at the end of the workday to reflect and finish the day helps free up the mind and allows for quality time with family. This time can be used to check emails, go through notes, close open loops, and plan for the next day. Reflecting on accomplishments provides a sense of achievement and helps identify next steps. A good morning starts in the evening before, so cleaning up open loops and planning ahead leads to a more relaxed and focused morning. Takeaways Reflecting on the day helps free up the mind and transition from work to personal life. Taking 10-15 minutes at the end of the workday to check emails, go through notes, and close open loops is beneficial. Reflecting on accomplishments provides a sense of achievement and helps identify next steps. A good…

Summary In this episode, Michael Seidl shares his insights on how to make the best out of meetings and avoid struggling with too many or too long meetings. He provides four key tips: 1) Clearly communicate the purpose and expectations of the meeting in the invitation, 2) Determine if your attendance is necessary or if you can be an optional attendee, 3) Plan the meeting time based on what is actually needed, not based on arbitrary rules, and 4) Consider if the information can be shared through other means, such as email or video recordings, instead of holding a meeting. Takeaways Clearly communicate the purpose and expectations of the meeting in the invitation Determine if your attendance is necessary or if you can be an optional attendee Plan the meeting time based on what is actually needed, not based on arbitrary rules Consider if the information can be shared through other means, such as email or video recordings, instead of holding a meeting Sound Bites "Everybody loves meetings, right? No, not really."…