2/9/2022:
The book Deep Work has a number of interesting ideas, many of which I had explored when I was working. One of the ideas that I do not think works is his idea of approaching your boss with the goal of agreeing to a percentage allocation to deep and shallow work. I have tried something similar with goal prioritization. I would have too much on my plate, tell my boss (various bosses) my situation, and ask them to help me set priorities. The answer was always “all of them”. Asking them to approve an allocation between deep and shallow work, assuming they understood it to begin with (I had not heard of it before last week) would, I think, get a similar response. Bosses (and everyone else) try to delegate as much as possible to assume tasks for their next promotion. This Deep Work suggestion is attempting to delegate up the chain. I don’t see it. Then Cal recommends that if your boss does not value Deep Work, you should look for another job. Good luck. Not wanting to help you allocate your time is not the equivalent of not valuing Deep Work. It is the boss not taking responsibility for your allocation. Only you can do that.