Glossary
Maker's schedule, explained
The maker's schedule is a day divided into long blocks of half a day or more, which makers (programmers, writers, designers) need to get anything substantial done. Paul Graham contrasted it with the manager's schedule of one-hour slots in a 2009 essay.
What it means
On a manager's schedule a meeting is just one slot. On a maker's schedule a meeting in the middle of the afternoon breaks it into two pieces too small for real work. When makers and managers share a calendar, this is the source of a lot of friction.
How to do it in a calendar
- Keep meetings on one side of the day (for example after 14:00) or on fixed days.
- Protect at least one half-day maker block on most days.
- If you manage makers, ask before booking into their mornings.
An example
A designer keeps 09:00 to 13:00 meeting-free Monday to Thursday and puts all calls in the afternoon. Friday is the meeting day.
Common mistakes
- Small gaps. Thirty minutes between meetings is not a maker block.
- Booking by default. Calendar tools fill empty space; protect it with a block.
Where it comes from
Paul Graham, "Maker's Schedule, Manager's Schedule" (July 2009), paulgraham.com.
Questions
Can I be both a maker and a manager?
Most people are. Split the week: maker mornings and manager afternoons, or maker days and meeting days.
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