Otto von Bismarck was a prominent statesman and politician who played a significant role in shaping German history during the late 19th century. As the first Chancellor of the German Empire, Bismarck was known for his pragmatic approach and skillful diplomacy. However, his attitude towards truth was often characterized by a certain flexibility and manipulation for political purposes.
Throughout his career, Bismarck employed various tactics to achieve his objectives. He was known for his skillful use of propaganda, carefully crafting narratives and manipulating public opinion to serve his political agenda. He was not averse to distorting facts or presenting them selectively if it served his purpose.
During one conversation, the English ambassador inquired about how Otto managed persistent visitors who consumed much of his precious time. Bismarck responded with a reliable approach, stating, “I have a foolproof method.”
He explained that when an unwelcome visitor overstayed their welcome, his servant would intervene by informing him of an urgent request from his wife.
Coincidentally, at that very moment, a servant appeared at the door and entered, delivering an urgent message from Bismarck’s wife.
“Politics is the art of the possible.”
“When you want to fool the world, tell the truth.”
More About Time Blocking
In the modern world, we call the ingenious trick by the Iron Chancellor “time blocking.”
Time blocking is a time management technique that involves scheduling specific batches of time for different tasks, activities, or projects, helping you allocate your time more effectively, create a focused environment, identify potential time gaps, overlaps, or conflicts, and minimize the time spent switching between activities.
Many renowned entrepreneurs have used this time-blocking, including Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin, Jack Dorsey, Cal Newport, and Elon Musk.
The latter applies a 5-minute rule, an exceptional technique for effective time management.
From when Musk wakes up at 7 a.m., his day is meticulously planned in five-minute increments, leaving no room for unexpected interruptions.
Each time block is designated for a specific task or activity, such as addressing overdue emails, meals, or work meetings.
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Time blocking has dramatically evolved since Von Bismark’s times. So, as long as you don’t have a time-blocking wife like his, you can try other techniques to streamline your workday:
1. Split your day into several time blocks, dedicating each to a particular activity or task. Assign fixed time slots in your calendar for your to-do list items based on your pre-planned schedule.
2. Group similar tasks together and schedule specific time blocks to complete them simultaneously. For example, allocate two 20-minute blocks for processing emails instead of constantly checking your inbox.
3. Organize your time by dedicating entire days to specific sets of tasks, rather than allocating time blocks for each responsibility. Thematic days allow you to focus on one business area daily, such as finance, marketing, or strategy, consolidating related tasks for increased efficiency.
4. Limit the time you allocate to a task. Setting a time box creates a sense of urgency and challenges you to work efficiently within the defined timeframe.
Apart from the above, you may align your day with your energy levels by scheduling demanding tasks during peak energy periods. For example, if you’re an early bird, tackle your most challenging tasks in the morning and reserve the afternoon for less demanding activities.
