System review: The Pomodoro Technique

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The Pomodoro Technique by Francesco Cirillo

Review by Ben 

 

How does this system work?

This system operates by encouraging you to work intensely in set periods of time using a kitchen timer (a pomodoro timer, a tomato shaped timer). It uses the ticking of a clock to get you to rethink workload anxiety and your relationship to time.

 

How easy was it to get the hang of following the system?

I found this system a challenge to use in my working week. This was both because I share an office and work in a library, and as such I felt it unwise to use a loud kitchen timer (in fairness, an issue the book does address). It however, was useful to experiment with time as an ally to work efficiency and not to battle against the clock.

 

How did you find following it?

Difficult. The system requires you to note down using a variety of symbols and tallies your efficiency working towards the kitchen timer’s set period. For me, having to set the time and record my progress on a prescribed chart distracted me from my work. It saw me trying to grasp a management system rather than the management system helping me with my workload.

 

What was its best feature?

The re-thinking of time as an ally and the encouragement of regular breaks – remaining healthy at work is important.

 

What was its worst feature?

The self-promotion of the pomodoro technique worksheets – unlike ‘Do it Tomorrow’ where it requires your everyday stationery, this book demanded new branded worksheets. It felt a little pushy. Although, if you like working within guidelines then this could be useful.

 

Who would you recommend this system to?

Only someone who thrives upon strict time periods and clear time goals. If you prefer to focus on tasks without a kitchen timer staring you down (like me) then I would steer towards ‘Do it tomorrow’ which I hold as a more inclusive and a great introduction into management systems.

 

Any other thoughts?

If you want to re-think how time and deadlines can work alongside each other, then this book is definitely worth reading. For its theoretical stance, it was good.