Calm productivity for academics
No longer active
This site is now an archive of my previous work. I have moved all my ongoing writing to https://michael-rowe.github.io/home-michael/
Category: Communication
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How to share what you’ve learned
You’ve figured something out that could help others. But how to share what you’ve learned without seeming like a know-it-all? The skill isn’t whether to share, it’s knowing what’s worth sharing, where it belongs, how to frame it, and when staying quiet is the better move.
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Academic communication systems: Why they fail and what you can do about it
Academic communication systems create cascading failures through unclear accountability, fragmented information, and human bottlenecks. Communication systems in other sectors solved these problems decades ago through clear governance and infrastructure. This framework shows what university-based staff can do—from individual practices to institutional advocacy—to create meaningful change.
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Deranged pleasure of email management
There’s something deeply, almost embarrassingly pleasurable about declaring an entire day dedicated to email management. The unsubscribing, the brutal deletion, the methodical filing of correspondence that’s been lurking for months. It’s the kind of day where you roll up your sleeves and prepare to wrestle your inbox into submission.
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Presenting research without over-reaching
Academic presentations often suffer from overstated claims that undermine credibility rather than strengthen impact. Effective presentations acknowledge limitations whilst clearly articulating specific contributions. Using precise, qualified language and positioning work within proper scope demonstrates scholarly integrity. This balanced approach—presenting genuine strengths without exaggeration—typically earns more respect than grand claims and allows colleagues to recognise broader…
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Crafting engaging academic presentations
Creating effective academic presentations requires understanding your audience, establishing clear motivation, and simplifying visual elements. Practice thoughtfully to build confidence, especially when presenting in a non-native language. By focusing on clarity and engagement, researchers can successfully share their work in ways that resonate across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
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Academic stand-up meetings
Academic stand-up meetings, borrowed from software development, offer a practical solution to meeting overload in universities. Participants stand and briefly answer three specific questions about progress, current work, and blocking obstacles. These focused sessions typically last 15 minutes maximum, creating valuable time and mental space for deeper meaningful academic work.
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Overcoming academic conference fatigue
Academic conference fatigue is a growing concern where traditional programmes often lack the time for reflection and meaningful connections. However, there are alternatives, like communities and unconferences, which offer more sustainable and enriching forms of professional growth. This post proposes several strategies to improve conference experiences, including dedicated reflection time and “slow learning” tracks.
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Email-free mornings: The simplest productivity tip you’ll ever see
Stop letting your inbox dictate the outcomes of your day by aiming for at least 2 hours of email-free mornings.
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Lean Coffee meetings
Lean Coffee meetings help create clarity of purpose in your meetings, boosting productivity and focus. Previously, I’ve talked about how meetings should enhance your productivity, not impede it. And I gave a few suggestions that might help to think differently about the need for meetings in the first place. But let’s say the meeting is…
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Productive meetings are possible
Meetings should enhance your productivity, not impede it. Be choosy (if you can) about the meetings you attend or schedule.