I usually pair this with Pomodoro technique if the items are programming related.
If they are management related, I usually use some form of GTD to ensure that I am on top of things.
>There are six steps in the original technique:
>Decide on the task to be done.
>Set the pomodoro timer (traditionally to 25 minutes).
>Work on the task.
>End work when the timer rings and put a checkmark on a piece of paper.
>If you have fewer than four checkmarks, take a short break (3–5 minutes), then go to step 2.
>After four pomodoros, take a longer break (15–30 minutes), reset your checkmark count to zero, then go to step 1.
I can't believe anyone would religiously do this, it seems like something designed by de Sade.
It really helps but I thought it was very intense and eventually I questioned why I was working with that intensity for someone else. It's not that I was slacking off prior to that. I was performing well but wasn't heading towards burning out and this would have led to a burnout.
The main benefit of Pomodoro is focus and it helps you overcome procrastination
Though it’s vanishingly rare to be able to split them entirely, you can block off days with no meetings when your only interruptions will be people needing info or help. Then you can take care of administrative management tasks between meetings on meeting days.