Emel Yayla // Allianz Türkiye - Agile Coach
Time. Our most precious resource that cannot be turned back, whose rate of depletion does not slow down no matter what we do.
You're bound to hear complaints about issues such as: not being able to work efficiently, lack of time, not being able to focus…
Especially in the last year, most of us have been working from home and we have a striking understanding of how many factors distract us, or even 'steal' our time without noticing it.
That’s why I’m writing about a technique that can help to cope with this situation a little easier and direct our time and attention to our work: The Pomodoro Technique.
Software developer Francesco Cirillo called this technique the Pomodoro* Technique** because the kitchen timer he uses to keep time was shaped like a tomato.
The basis of the technique is to work with full concentration and full attention on a particular task for a specified period of time, taking regular breaks.
Let's see how we can use it in our daily life...
How to use the Pomodoro Technique?
- Choose the job you need to do.
- Set the timer to 25 minutes.
- Focus on the work you have to do until the time runs out.
- Take a 5-minute break.
- Take a 15-30 minute break after every 4 Pomodoros.
You can use this technique with five basic steps. All you need is a timer and work to do.
The task you choose may be long-term. Then you can break it up into several 'pomodoros'. The important thing is not to allow anything to interrupt or distract you once you start working.
I am sure that once you set the timer and work for a few minutes, you will find yourself looking for answers to questions like "Did I get a message on my phone?", "Did I get an email?", or should I get up to get a coffee?
Recognize that and focus on your work again. Do not let such factors distract you.
I am also writing this article using the Pomodoro Technique and I am on my 3rd Pomodoro right now.
I'm sure I've already fallen into many traps...
There may also be external factors that can distract you; there may be a very urgent call or a request that needs to be answered. You can give information and then return to that topic. Alternatively, if you are a team working together, you can apply this technique with several people at the same time and plan the time to work together separately. As your practice increases, you will see that your productivity will increase as well.
Another point to be considered during the application is the breaks.
Make sure to take a break, this is critical so that you can focus on the next rounds.
What you do with them is just as important as the breaks themselves. Instead of distracting activities such as looking at social media or reading e-mails, getting up and taking a short walk, making yourself a coffee or relaxing by doing breathing exercises will make the next Pomodoro tours much more productive.
*Pomodoro: tomato in Italian.
**For more info; https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique
P.S. You can contact us by clicking here to share your experiences and ask questions about the agile working method.
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