Introduction

Robert Pozen proves Extreme Productivity with his own compelling reality: he simultaneously managed roles as chairman of MFS Investment Management and professor at Harvard Business School, while serving on multiple boards, writing books, and maintaining strong family relationships. But instead of presenting this as a superhuman feat, he breaks it down into learnable strategies that any professional can adapt.

The book emerged from a simple question that kept following Pozen around - how does he get so much done? When his Harvard Business Review article on productivity garnered unexpected attention, with strangers stopping him at airports and professors thanking him for improving their habits, he realized professionals were hungry for practical productivity guidance.

Pozen's approach is refreshingly different from typical productivity advice. He doesn't prescribe rigid systems or promise miraculous transformations. Instead, he emphasizes a fundamental mindset shift: focus on results, not hours worked. The book is structured to help readers at every stage of their career. Starting professionals will find guidance on career planning and business writing. Middle managers can learn about managing relationships up and down the organizational ladder. Senior executives get specific advice on efficient travel and public speaking.

Pozen's own story adds depth to his teachings. From working multiple jobs in high school to teaching himself in an academically underwhelming environment, he developed the very skills he now teaches. His experience at Harvard, coming from a modest background, taught him to maximize limited time while working through college. These experiences shaped his productivity techniques, proving they work in real-world situations with real constraints. And he acknowledges that while his examples come from the business world, the principles apply equally in non-profit organizations, academia, and government. After all, the challenges of time management, meeting efficiency, and organizational complexity exist everywhere.

Level up begins now!

Summary

Mastering productivity isn't just about working harder—it's about working smarter. By focusing on results, understanding your life stage, communicating openly with your organization, and taking control of your own approach, you can transform your professional life. Embrace flexibility, prioritize your goals, and unlock your potential to achieve extraordinary results while reclaiming your personal time.

Strategic Time Investment

Most professionals rush through their days without thinking about why they're doing what they're doing. Robert Pozen explains a better way - organizing our work around clear priorities, and his approach shows us exactly how to do this effectively.Let's start with how to set these priorities properly. Pozen suggests writing down everything we need or want to do professionally - and he means everything. This includes both the tasks we're assigned and our personal career goals. The key is to...