Productivity Breakthrough Outlook

Optimal Productivity. Minimal Effort.

Achieve Effective Personal Productivity.

Course curriculum

1. Session 1: 29 May 2025
2. Session 2: 5 June 2025 (Scroll down for details.)
3. Session 3: 19 June 2025 (Scroll down for details)
4. Session 4: 26 June 2025 (Scroll down for details)
5. Session 5: 3 July 2025 (scroll down for details)
1. WELCOME.01 Welcome, and logistics
2. WELCOME.02 – Your “Productivity Nickname” – Personalise your journey and set your intention
3. WELCOME.03 – Cultivating Productivity Habits – Build systems and routines that actually stick
4. WELCOME.04 – 8 Ways to Productivity Mastery – A guiding framework
1. FUNDAMENTALS.01 – Outlook Setup & Navigation – Work faster and smarter by mastering your Outlook workspace
2. FUNDAMENTALS.02 – Brain Dump to Action Plan – Clear your head, capture your thoughts, and turn ideas into action
3. FUNDAMENTALS.03 – Make Your Work Visible – Get a clear visual of your commitments to reduce overwhelm
4. FUNDAMENTALS.04 – Daily Review & Personal Workflow – Build daily habits that give you focus, rhythm, and results
5. FUNDAMENTALS.05 – Staying on Track with Accountability – Leverage peer support to stay motivated and follow through
1. MAILBOX.01 – Email Strategy & Workflow Foundations – Build a system for handling email with clarity and purpose
2. MAILBOX.02 – Boosting Efficiency with Quick Steps – Automate repetitive email actions to save time
3. MAILBOX.03 – Structure Your Inbox with Folders – Keep your inbox clean, searchable, and under control
4. MAILBOX.04 – Managing CC, BCC, and Follow-Up – Stay professional and proactive with email visibility tools
5. MAILBOX.05 – Inbox Clarity & Visual Cues – Make key messages stand out and reduce missed information
6. MAILBOX.06 – Managing Conversations & Threads – Control email noise and reduce clutter from long threads
7. MAILBOX.07 – Reusable Templates & Notes – Save time and stay consistent with common message
8. MAILBOX.08 – PST folder – Store email efficiently
9. MAILBOX.09 – Email Etiquette: Write Less, Mean More, Waste No Time
1. PRIORITISING.01 Review the Map for Action
2. PRIORITISING.02 Using Calendar to manage date-and time-specific actions
3. PRIORITISING..03 Types of Calendar entries
4. PRIORITISING..04 Calendar for communication
5. PRIORITISING..05 Managing actions that are not date- or time-specific
6. PRIORITISING.06 - Recording of micro webinar (23 min) (Optional to watch before live session)
1. COLLABORATION.01 – Delegate and Follow Up – Hold others accountable without micromanaging
2. COLLABORATION.02 – Collaborative Meetings in Teams – Run focused, productive meetings that drive action
3. COLLABORATION.03 – Organising Your Team in Teams – Create structure and shared space for effective teamwork
4. COLLABORATION.04 – Task Management in Teams with Planner – Assign, track, and complete work with confidence and clarity
5. COLLABORATION.05 – Sharing Information and Collaboration – Stop chasing files and emails—work in one shared source of trut
6. COLLABORATION.06 – Use the Loops App – Collaborate live and asynchronously without losing context
7. COLLABORATION.07 – Using OneNote to Organise Information – Capture ideas, notes, and plans in a central, searchable place
8. COLLABORATION.08 – Teams Lists – Track details, tasks, and data in a simple structured format
9. COLLABORATION.09 – Team Approvals – Streamline decision-making with formalised sign-off processe
10. COLLABORATION.10 – Teams Updates – Share progress, updates, and blockers without clogging chat
11. COLLABORATION.11 – Using Teams for an Efficient Day – Bring it all together to run your day smoothly inside Teams
1. FOCUS.01 – Proven Ways to Minimise Distractions – Reduce noise, interruptions, and mental clutter
2. FOCUS.02 – Demons of Distraction and Staying Focused – Understand what pulls your attention and how to fight back
3. FOCUS.03 – Finish What You Start – Build the habit of follow-through and task completion
1. PROJECTS.01 – Installing XMind (Free Version) – Set up your visual project workspace in minutes
2. PROJECTS.02 – Choosing a Template – Start smart with the right structure for your project
3. PROJECTS.03 – Basic Structure of a Mind Map – Understand how to frame and organise your project visually
4. PROJECTS.04 – Task: Quick Review – Turn your ideas into manageable, trackable actions
5. PROJECTS.05 – Using a Project Template – Save time and maintain consistency with reusable formats
6. PROJECTS.06 – Adding Documents and Files to Your Project – Keep supporting material in one place for quick access
7. PROJECTS.07 – Categorise Your Project – Stay organised by grouping work meaningfully
8. PROJECTS.08 – Sharing Projects – Collaborate effortlessly with others on your project
9. PROJECTS.09 – Mark Your Project as Complete – Close the loop and celebrate project closure
1. REFERENCE.01 – Reference Mail Folders (Filing) – Store emails you need later without clogging your inbox
2. REFERENCE.02 – Post Discussion Notes – Capture and store key takeaways while they’re still fresh
3. REFERENCE.03 – People (Contact) Management – Keep important contact info handy and organised
4. REFERENCE.04 – Notes – Centralise your ideas, links, and decisions in one accessible place
1. 8WAYS.01 – Productive Mind – Start with the right mindset to work smarter, not just harder
2. 8WAYS.02 – Clarity – Know what matters most so you can act with confidence
3. 8WAYS.03 – Alignment – Line up your tasks with your values, goals, and role
4. 8WAYS.04 – Slow Down to Speed Up – Pause with purpose to improve momentum and results
5. 8WAYS.05 – Flexibility – Adapt your plans without losing your direction
6. 8WAYS.06 – Focus – Cut through noise to protect your time and attention
7. 8WAYS.07 – Finish What You Start – Stop starting and start completing
8. 8WAYS.08 – Learn and Improve – Build the habit of reflection to keep growing and improving
1. DUNCAN.01 – Quick Way to Get to Your Desktop – Instantly minimise clutter and get back to base
2. DUNCAN.02 – Using the Windows Key – Navigate faster with keyboard magic
3. DUNCAN.03 – OH NO I DID IT AGAIN!– Recover easily
4. DUNCAN.04 – Working in Other Time Zones – Schedule across regions without confusion
5. DUNCAN.05 – Lock Your Screen Quickly – Protect your privacy with this two-key shortcut
6. DUNCAN.06 – Aero Shake – Focus on one window and clear the noise
7. DUNCAN.07 – Insert Symbols & Emoji (Win10) – Add personality and clarity to your messages
8. DUNCAN.08 – Advanced Clipboard (Win10) – Copy more, paste smarter with history on your side
9. DUNCAN.09 – Read Aloud – Let your computer do the reading for you
10. DUNCAN.10 – Dictation – Speak your thoughts straight into text
11. DUNCAN.11 – Create a Delayed Email – Schedule emails to send when it counts
12. DUNCAN.12 – Microsoft Windows Snipping Tool – Capture your screen like a pro

Outlook Productivity works better in groups.

FAQ

Do I get a certificate?

Yes, if you achieve the minimum level of requirements.
How long does it take to complete the course?

This is a hybrid course. You have lifelong access to the content so there is no real "finish time". The individual work is supported by the structure of 8 or live online facilitator-led workshops with your group.
Can I do this on a mobile device?

Yes, you can download the Thinkific app fomr the App store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/thinkific/id1557573471?platform=iphone) or Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/search?q=thinkific&c=apps&hl=en_ZA&gl=US).
Can I apply this course in Outlook for Mac?

The short answer is 'no'. Sorry!
Will this course work with my version of Outlook?

We created the course videos using Outlook 365, and that's what you will see on the course. Because this course is based on principles of productivity, you will be able to apply all of the tips, tricks and techniques apply to all versions from Outlook 2010 and later.
What support do I get?

You get supported at various levels. You can communicate with instructors in every lesson, albeit not in real time. You can email your instructors at any time. You will be invited to join the Productivity Pit Stop Learning Community to engage with other alumni to keep learning. This is NOT a Facebook group.

Your Guides

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Duncan will be your lead facilitator and will support you during and after your course with 1:1 coaching.

As the voicemail message on his cell phone says:” If I can’t take your call I am either in a workshop or out cycling!”

Duncan’s industrial engineering background and his love of the “ooh” and “aahhh” moments when people learn a really cool trick in MS Outlook, are his inspiration and motivation in helping people use their technology in ways that make them more productive.

Was there life before the Internet, cell phones and gadgets? Duncan’s glad he missed it!

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Gerrit is a hardworking lazy guy - working very hard all the time to find ways in which to get the right things done easier, faster and better. To achieve optimal productivity with minimal effort.

What brings him great joy is that the quality of life of every person who implements even a little bit of what they get during a course will improve.

Optimal Productivity. Minimal Effort.

Course curriculum

Sessions and recordings

Welcome

Fundamentals (Key Success Factors)

Mailbox Mastery

Prioritising, organising and managing your workload

Mastering Collaboration, Meetings, and Task accountability

Minimising Distractions and Improving Focus

Small Project Essentials

Managing reference information

8 Ways to Productivity Mastery

Duncan's favourite tips

Outlook Productivity works better in groups.

FAQ

Your Guides