Email and meetings aren't work
The article argues that email and meetings consume disproportionate amounts of work time without producing substantive output, using personal metrics (meeting ratio analysis) and anecdotal evidence to illustrate the problem at scale. Tunguz proposes a 'return to fundamentals' framework for 2013 that includes setting OKRs, time-blocking calendar commitments, meeting preparation with agendas, and tracking time allocation metrics to improve productivity.
Metrics in this report
6:4ratio
Tunguz personal measurement over three weeks; represents suboptimal productivity balance
17%percent
Estimated improvement from shifting meeting ratio by one minute (6:4 to 7:3)
4:1ratio
Four unfocused employees required to accomplish work of one focused employee in poorly managed team
75%percent
Large company team of smart employees (6 of 8 hours per day); represents severe organizational dysfunction