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Calm productivity for academics
Category: Communication
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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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[Note] Sounds and vibrations are the worst kinds of notifications
“Sounds and vibrations are the worst kinds of notifications since they grab your attention even when not using your device. Because of this you’ll notice that only calls, calendar and reminders, and uptime monitors have sounds enabled, since these are the time sensitive ones. But even then I still have sleep mode active after 7pm,…
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[Note] Attending to emails
“My inbox isn’t a place for leisurely reading. When I open my email it’s with purpose. If I want to catch up on my newsletters and blogs I follow, I can flop down on the couch, open my RSS reader, and enjoy them when I’m not also trying to work.” – Herman Martinus.
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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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[Note] Ask your coworkers to push back
“Ask your coworkers’ to push back. The most basic way to understand what people think of you is to ask them. If you’re not soliciting dissent, it’s unlikely you’re hearing the truth about what it’s like to work [with] you.” – Ron Carucci
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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.