What is Time Blocking and Protected Time?

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What is Time Blocking and Protected Time?

Time blocking and Protected time are two similar time management principles. Here are their definitions and how to use them.

Time Blocking

Time blocking is the act of dividing workdays into definite blocks of time, (not necessarily into hours) which are each dedicated to the achievement of a single task.

Time blocking makes use of the fact that the human mind works best when it is focused and concentrating all its energy onto a single task. This creates the conditions for high-quality thinking and effective action.

Whenever a mind has a split focus, ie it is distracted or attempting to do multiple things simultaneously, it must split its intellectual forces, which creates the conditions for more errors and wrong action.

Time blocking is a key time management tool, and can be used best in teams, where a small group of people block out a definite time which is 100% dedicated to solving a single question.

Time blocking is an important time management method.

Protected Time

Protected time is like time blocking, but with the added characteristic that it applies to an individual person.

Protected time is when a person dedicates a definite amount of time to a single task without any distractions or interruptions. Protected time is making use of the same psychological principle that the mind works best when it is 100% focused.

There are some tasks, such as writing, that are inherently individual, which best done in conditions where the person can concentrate.

Protected time denotes "goal focused, solitary time, without interruption or distraction".

It is an important time management principle.

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Our Time Management Training covers all aspects of managing your time effectively and is available both as a live online course, as well as face to face.

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

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Further Reading in Time Management

• How to plan your time effectively
  Good Time Planning Planning ahead (in writing) is one of the keys to personal effectiveness. You need to plan ahead. Failure to plan ahead would force you into the position of acting without a plan, meaning; you would be making it up as you go along, which would mean that you...
  Read Article >
• What is the Pomodoro Technique?
  The Pomodoro Technique is a time management technique; the purpose of which is to increase work efficiency, maximise concentration and minimize mental fatigue.
  Read Article >
• How do you judge what is "important"?
  We all agree that we should do the most important things first. But what we cannot agree upon is: HOW to determine what are the “most important things”.
  Read Article >
• What is the Action Priority Matrix?
  Prioritise your work using the Action Priority Matrix method and instead of filling your day with trivial tasks, you will accomplish more of the work that really matters.
  Read Article >
• How can I better delegate
  Delegation is vital because you cannot do it all. You don't have the time, the energy, or the knowledge to do it all. And even if you did, you should still delegate some tasks as a means of training others and developing their range of skills.
  Read Article >

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