A summary of "Getting Things Done" by David Allen. This summary covers the five-stage workflow outlined by David Allen and digital ways of applying this philosophy to work processes. This summary is by Kriselle Laran.

1. Getting Things Done
by David Allen
Book summary by
Kriselle Laran
October 2013
"

2. •
•
•
•
•
•
•
The brain is “a little stupid”
Life’s random inputs
Having a lot of “stuff” creates stress
Open loops pull your attention from the now
Capturing what has your attention
Defining actionable tactics and desired outcomes
Achieving productivity
About “Getting Things Done”"

3. Collec&ng
Doing
Reviewing
The Five Stage Workflow"
Processing
Organizing

4. • An inbox can be physical
or digital
• Write down everything
that comes to mind
• Capture everything onto
paper
• Stop thinking about things
until a next action is
needed
• Decide what needs to be
done next
Phase 1: Collecting"
Collec&ng
Doing
Reviewing
Processing
Organizing

5. • Can a task be completed
in less than 2 minutes?
– If yes, do the task now
– If no, move to phase 2
and designate a
deadline
• Write down the decision
• Determine and write down
all related tasks
Phase 1b: Time Frames"
Collec&ng
Doing
Reviewing
Processing
Organizing

6. • Create layer of
prioritization
• Differentiate from to-do
list to systematic
methodology
• Instill a strict workflow
– Start at the beginning
– Don’t multi-task
– Don’t put anything back into
‘in’
– Determine Action
• Do, Delegate or Defer
• File, throw away or incubate for
later
Phase 2: Processing"
Collec&ng
Doing
Reviewing
Processing
Organizing

7. •
•
•
•
Review each itemized task
Organize deferred tasks
Organize for context
Categorize and complete
action
– Projects
– Calendar
– Next actions
– Waiting
Phase 3: Organizing"
Collec&ng
Doing
Reviewing
Processing
Organizing

8. • Review calendarand task
list daily
• Consistently return to
inbox and review tasks
and deadlines
• Always ask the question,
“can this be done now”
• Rely on what’s written
but adjust if needed
Phase 4: Review"
Collec&ng
Doing
Reviewing
Processing
Organizing

9. • Check off the item that is
done
– All items should be
checked off, regardless of
who completed the task
– Own all items for which
you have some
accountability
• Prioritize according to
stated goals
• Revisit and adjust
accordingly
Phase 5: Get it done!"
Collec&ng
Doing
Reviewing
Processing
Organizing

10. • Productivity apps make
up a large chunk of the
App Store
• Companies strive to
amplify a consumer’s life
as it is rather than
change it
• GTD philosophy guides
many current apps
GTD Digitally"
Remember
the
Milk
Trello
Weave
Wunderlist

11. • GTD requires investment in
time
• Vertical thinking clarifies
horizontal purpose and
vision
• It’s a philosophy, not a
process
Final Thoughts"

12. Thank you!
Contact information:
Kriselle Laran
twitter.com/krisellelaran
linkedin.com/in/krisellelaran
About Kriselle"