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http://transcript.thought.garden/assets/definition-of-a-task/Definition Of A Task.wav Definition Of A Task
# Summary
The text discusses the differentiation between 'tasks' and 'activities' in a project management context. It emphasizes that tasks are often small, precise, and clearly defined, such as weekly grocery shopping or getting a haircut. The problem with tasks is that they are often too specific and not adaptable to change. Activities, on the other hand, are considered to be vague and more flexible. They can be seen as a bundle of tasks, but not as precise. The author suggests that activities are more suitable for project management, as they allow for negotiation of responsibilities and do not require micro-management. Furthermore, the text also outlines the importance of maintaining a balanced backlog of activities. It argues that if a team member repeatedly has no tasks or activities listed on the backlog, it may be a sign that they should not be part of the team or the meetings. The text also proposes that activities should be divided into manageable chunks based on the amount of energy or time a team member can contribute to the project. Lastly, it discusses the role of the planning meeting in refining the shortlist of activities and ensuring the feasibility of the project's schedule.
# Tidied Transcript
This discussion relates to the terminology used in meetings and how it can be misleading or confusing. The term "task" is commonly used, but it doesn't accurately represent what is being discussed in these meetings. Instead, the term "activity" might be more fitting. Tasks tend to be small, precise actions with clear completion indicators, such as taking out the trash or doing the weekly grocery shopping. Activities, on the other hand, are broader and less precise. They might include multiple tasks and require ongoing effort over a period of time, rather than one-off actions. When we label these broader actions as tasks, we risk misunderstanding their true nature and scope. For instance, project management software like Asana uses the term "task" to describe a component of a larger project, which can lead to confusion. We need to distinguish between these "activities" - which are more like bundles of tasks - and the smaller, more specific tasks that they comprise. This distinction is crucial to avoid micromanagement and to allow for delegation and negotiation within the team. It's also important to ensure that everyone's priorities are represented in the agenda. If someone's activities aren't on the list, that could be a warning sign that they're not fully engaged in the project or team. The size of these activities also matters. They should account for roughly a third to a half of your weekly workload to be manageable. If you're working 40 hours a week, for instance, you should have three activities on your list, each taking about 13 to 14 hours. Once an activity has been agreed upon in a planning meeting, it's up to the individual to break it down into specific tasks. This is where the true meaning of responsibility comes into play - it's about managing and delegating tasks within the agreed activity, not just performing them. In conclusion, the term "task" can be misleading in a project management context. Instead, we should think in terms of "activities," which are broader and less precise. This shift in terminology can help to clarify expectations and responsibilities, and to improve efficiency and collaboration within the team.
# Graph
digraph { layout=fdp; "Tasks" -> "Activities"; "Tasks" -> "Task Management"; "Activities" -> "Project Management"; "Backlog" -> "Planning Meeting"; "Energy Week" -> "Time Contribution"; "Negotiation of Responsibilities" -> "Micro-management"; "Team Member" -> "Negotiation of Responsibilities"; "Schedule Feasibility" -> "Planning Meeting"; "Schedule Feasibility" -> "Time Contribution"; }
# Assets
definition-of-a-task
# See also - Voice Notes
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