Project managers often travel a lot for work, but you don't have to disappear into some kind of black hole. It's a matter of claiming specific pockets of time based on what's most appropriate for that period.
When flying, for example, I might book myself for two hours of focused work on project documentation, like the project plan or strategy documents. If I'm stuck waiting for a connecting flight or in my hotel room, I use that time to catch up on emails.
Traveling is also a good way to network. Try to connect with people who might help you resolve project challenges or look at issues in a new way. You might even want to find out how they stay productive while on the go.
As a project manager or a team member, I can still be in action and engaged in the project -- no matter where I am. Is traveling a hindrance or a non-issue for you? How do you stay productive yet balanced during your business travels?
When flying, for example, I might book myself for two hours of focused work on project documentation, like the project plan or strategy documents. If I'm stuck waiting for a connecting flight or in my hotel room, I use that time to catch up on emails.
Traveling is also a good way to network. Try to connect with people who might help you resolve project challenges or look at issues in a new way. You might even want to find out how they stay productive while on the go.
As a project manager or a team member, I can still be in action and engaged in the project -- no matter where I am. Is traveling a hindrance or a non-issue for you? How do you stay productive yet balanced during your business travels?
I, too, travel frequently on projects. I use the travel time to my advantage. I use a Blackberry device which is loaded with online & offline reading material on Project Management. On flights, I often read on my Blackberry or work on project documents or MS Project. While waiting at the airports, I work on emails.
I find that David Allen's paradigm, GTD® has been immensely helpful with being productive with my time in transit. Although I don't currently fly a lot, I am in constant transit between two cities and two job sites. I find that having my tasks organized by context allows me to make the most use of the time I'm at home and the time I'm away. So I know when certain things need to get done at certain locations.