syslog

I recently received a review copy of Time Management for System Administrators by Thomas A. Limoncelli (O'Reilly), which is tagged "Stop working late and start working smarter". My copy already bears the various creases and earmarks of being well used.

Limoncelli himself wastes no time in explaining why sys admins might have difficulty with successful time management and need a book tailored specifically for their use. He says that sys admins' problems are different. For example, they have an unusually high number of interruptions that prevent them from getting projects done. Their solutions are also different; they can handle more high-tech tools to solve problems than a typical, non-technical person. Limoncelli says another difference is that sys admins lack quality mentoring. He says although sys admins need to learn the fundamentals of to-do list management, calendar management, and life-goal management just like anyone else, their mentors are technical peers, often on email lists, and often in different parts of the world. So, they have fewer opportunities to learn by watching.

To address these specific needs, Limoncelli offers six principles right off the bat that he carries throughout the book:

• One "database" for time management information (use one organizer).
• Conserve your brain power for what's important (conserve RAM).
• Develop routines and stick with them (reuse code libraries; don't reinvent the wheel).
• Develop habits and mantras (replace runtime calculations with precomputed decisions).
• Maintain focus during "project time" (be like a kernel semaphore).
• Manage your social life with the same tools you use for your work life (social life isn't an optional feature).

Throughout the book, while he examines these principles in greater detail, Limoncelli offers insights and practical guidelines for managing not just your work day but your whole life more effectively. For example, along with concrete suggestions for setting goals, prioritizing your to-do list, and managing all your email accounts, he also offers tips for managing stress, dealing with customers, and even managing your boss. In Chapter 11, he focuses on common time wasters, such as office socializing and disorganized meetings, and explains how to manage those as well. If you'd like to read an excerpt, you can check out Chapter 4 ("The Cycle System") online at the O'Reilly Web site. I highly recommend this book.

Sincerely yours,

Amber Ankerholz
Editor in Chief