The most valuable work skill you're probably not doing

‘Deep work’ is a term coined by author Cal Newport in his book of the same name to describe work that is cognitively demanding and requires solitary, focused concentration, usually for extended periods of time. In his book, Newport makes the point that the ability to do deep work is especially important for knowledge workers, as it helps them acquire knowledge and develop skills that can then drive meaningful output and productivity. Deep work is usually required to solve complex problems, fuel creativity and spawn innovation and new ideas.

Examples of deep work include:

• reading on a subject to acquire new knowledge or a skill that is important for your professional development (AI would be likely candidate here, for many)

• strategic thinking about the business

• self-reflection

• research and writing of a document for publication or dissemination

• reviewing and signing-off on a report or set of accounts

• preparation to address colleagues or a presentation

• preparation for a job or promotion-related interview

• preparation of a pitch or proposal

‘Shallow work’, on the other hand, is not so cognitively demanding, may involve other people, and may comprise short bursts of different activities – AKA’ multi-tasking’.

Examples include:

• checking, reading and answering emails

• meetings and calls

• check-ins with colleagues or team members

The point Cal Newport makes is that is that deep work is essential if we are going to be genuinely productive and make progress in our chosen endeavours. His shorthand is that while shallow work stops us from getting fired, deep work is what gets us promoted. This distinction may not apply to your individual circumstances, but I think the idea is clear and stands.

My experience with clients is that most people are so busy (often overwhelmed) with day-to-day work, deep work does not get a look in. Obviously, tasks that are important and urgent tend to take precedence over those that are important but not urgent. This is all good and well, but this can put a brake on progress that can really move the needle.

One potential solution is to prioritise deep work by scheduling it into the calendar. I am not a prescriptive person by nature, but what I generally find works for people is to devote half a day a week to deep work. This is generally best done in the ‘protected environment’ of home (rather than at the office). Fridays usually turn out to be the best day for deep work. Some people find that keeping Friday free of meetings and calls means that they can spend half the day ‘clearing up crap’ from the week, and devote the other half to deep work.