"Getting Things Done" by David Allen, 2002

One of the grand-daddies of time management.  A groundbreaking book on tactical time management.  The author’s “do the task most suited to your tools, available time and energy” was a revelation versus more strategic time management from the 1980’s. GTD's Action Lists are a great idea (and versions are incorporated into many modern Time Management systems, including a very simplified version in In Time).  The book also does a good job of reinforcing the importance of objectives in any time management system.  But there are problems…

The book isn't particularly well written and its very hard to read in places.  The “GTD” system can be quite complex in practice and often feels more suited to IT savvy people (just Google “GTD” to see what I mean).  The book was updated in 2002 but still fees a little old - email is barely addressed for example.  If you are extremely disciplined, like lists or into IT, this is a good system.  Its also great for very tactical, process driven jobs.  I don't feel that GTD's strategic aspects are as successful, however.

Its an interesting read, but many sales or management professionals may need something a little more simple and practical to round out their own time management systems.  Recommended as one of the foundation books of modern time management, however. It will certainly get you thinking.

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