Tech Titan’s Time-Blocking Trick Triples Productivity
As a veteran reporter covering the fast-paced world of tech startups, I’ve seen countless entrepreneurs burn out trying to juggle too many tasks. But Jyoti Bansal, the 46-year-old CEO running not one but two successful software companies, has cracked the code on staying productive without burning the candle at both ends.
Bansal heads up Harness and Traceable, which are startups valued at $3.7 billion and $500 million respectively. He’s no stranger to success, having sold his first company, AppDynamics, to Cisco for a cool $3.7 billion. So when Bansal talks about productivity, innovative entrepreneurs listen.
His secret? It’s not what you’d expect.
“My cheat code is not to multitask too much,” Bansal reveals.
Wait, what? The guy running two companies at once doesn’t multitask? It seems counterintuitive, but Bansal swears by this approach.
“I’m much more productive by doing one thing in a 30-minute interval, maybe an hour interval,” he explains. “So you multitask on an aggregate, but not at any moment.”
This technique, known as time blocking or time boxing, has Bansal laser-focused on one task at a time. He switches between companies and projects in set intervals, giving each his full attention.
“I’m just much more efficient, more mindful, more present in that moment,” Bansal says. “And that’s helped me.”
The Science Behind Single-Tasking
Bansal’s strategy isn’t just a personal preference—it’s backed by science. Research shows that our brains perform better when we focus on one task at a time. Multitasking can actually slow us down and lead to poorer decisions.
By dedicating set blocks of time to specific tasks, Bansal avoids the pitfalls of constant context-switching. In one 30-minute block, he might dive deep into technical problems with engineers. The next half-hour could see him tackling high-level business strategy with investors. After that, he might jump into a customer call.
This method allows Bansal to give his full attention to each task rather than trying to juggle multiple things simultaneously. It’s a stark contrast to his early days as an entrepreneur.
“I used to be in a meeting, and I’m on my phone replying to emails and responding to messages all the time,” he admits. Like many of us, Bansal fell into the trap of thinking constant connectivity meant higher productivity.
Prioritizing Impact Over Hours
Bansal doesn’t just block out time – he’s strategic about how he uses it. His guiding principle? Impact.
“I don’t try to manage time. I try to manage the impact,” Bansal explains.
When deciding how to allocate his attention, Bansal asks himself: “If I don’t spend my time on something, is it going to move the needle one way or another, like, negatively or positively?”
If the answer is no, Bansal feels comfortable delegating that task to a trusted team member. This laser focus on high-impact activities allows him to maximize his limited time.
Building a Dream Team
Of course, Bansal’s strategy relies heavily on having the right people in place. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding himself with trusted colleagues who understand his vision and can execute it effectively.
“Probably the most important thing is to have the right people. How you scale [a business] is having the right people,” Bansal says. “They know how you think; I know how they think. We are on the same page, and we can operate effectively.”
By building strong teams at both companies, Bansal can confidently delegate tasks, allowing him to focus on where he can add the most value.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Bansal’s approach offers valuable insights for anyone looking to boost their productivity, whether you’re running multiple companies or just trying to juggle a busy workload:
- Embrace single-tasking: Give your full attention to one task at a time.
- Use time blocking: Schedule set intervals for different activities.
- Focus on impact: Prioritize functions that move the needle.
- Build a strong team: Surround yourself with people you trust.
- Delegate effectively: Don’t be afraid to hand off tasks that others can handle.
While Bansal’s success might seem out of reach for most, his productivity strategies are surprisingly accessible. By ditching the myth of multitasking and embracing focused work sessions, even the busiest among us can boost our efficiency and avoid burnout.
In a world that often glorifies constant hustle, Bansal’s approach is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, doing less can help you achieve more. It’s a lesson worth considering, whether you’re running a billion-dollar startup or trying to get through your daily to-do list.
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