Podcast Summary: "Sunday Pick: Protecting Your Time with Linda Babcock | WorkLife with Adam Grant"

Release Date: August 10, 2025

In this enlightening episode of WorkLife with Adam Grant, host Adam Grant engages in a deep and meaningful conversation with Linda Babcock, a professor emerita of economics at Carnegie Mellon University and co-author of "The No Club." This episode delves into the complexities of setting boundaries, the societal pressures surrounding saying no, and effective strategies for protecting one's time both personally and professionally.

1. Introduction to the No Club

Linda Babcock introduces the concept of the No Club, a supportive group designed to help individuals set and maintain healthy boundaries by learning to say no. Originating from Linda's personal struggle with overcommitment, the club serves as a collective intervention for those overwhelmed by the demands of their professional and personal lives.

Linda Babcock [02:39]: "The No Club was born because I wasn't getting time to do my work. So, I reached out to a bunch of my friends... and we've been meeting for the last 15 years to talk about the things we've agreed to that we probably shouldn't have."

2. Gender Differences in Task Allocation

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on how gender dynamics influence the distribution of non-promotable tasks in the workplace. Linda and Adam explore the tendency for women to take on more of these responsibilities, which often go unrecognized and can hinder career advancement.

Rose [06:43]: "Women on average press the button 50% more times than men do. It's not that women are better at it, but they're more likely to take for the team."

This disparity highlights the societal expectations placed on women to be accommodating and supportive, often at the expense of their own professional growth.

3. Impact of Non-Promotable Tasks on Careers

Linda presents compelling research illustrating how non-promotable tasks disproportionately affect women’s career trajectories. By dedicating over 200 more hours per year to such tasks compared to their male counterparts, women effectively reduce the time available for promotable work that is essential for career advancement.

Rose [10:13]: "Women spent more than 200 hours more than men did per year doing work that the firm had classified as non-promotable."

This substantial time investment not only limits their professional opportunities but also contributes to increased stress and burnout.

4. Strategies for Saying No

To combat the ingrained difficulty of declining additional responsibilities, Linda and Adam discuss practical strategies that individuals can adopt. One notable method is the 24-hour rule, which allows individuals to delay their response to requests, providing ample time to assess commitments without succumbing to immediate pressure.

Rose [16:07]: "I have a 24-hour rule... if I think I might say yes, I have to wait 24 hours to more calmly think about if this is really a good decision."

Additionally, Linda emphasizes the importance of considering opportunity costs, encouraging individuals to visualize what they must forgo when agreeing to new tasks.

Rose [17:47]: "Pick up the picture of your children and say, 'I'm going to be commenting on this paper over the weekend... I'm not going to take you to the park.'"

5. Organizational Solutions for Equitable Task Allocation

Beyond individual strategies, Linda advocates for organizational-level changes to ensure a fair distribution of non-promotable tasks. She suggests implementing systems such as rotating responsibilities, random assignments, or integrating these tasks into formal job descriptions to prevent them from being unfairly burdened on certain employees.

Linda Babcock [11:06]: "Identify all these non-promotable tasks, put someone in charge of allocating them, and make sure that allocation is fair and even."

Such systemic changes are crucial for cultivating a work environment where all employees have equal opportunities to focus on promotable work.

6. Developing Personal Policies

Linda and Adam highlight the significance of personal policies in managing one's time effectively. By clearly defining what one will and won't commit to, individuals can navigate their responsibilities with greater intention and alignment with their personal values.

Rose [23:22]: "Are you doing the right non-promotable work? If you keep track of how you spend your time at work... that’s what you should be doing."

This reflective practice helps in prioritizing tasks that genuinely matter, both professionally and personally.

7. Negotiating Boundaries When Saying Yes Is Necessary

There are instances where saying no isn't feasible. In such cases, Linda advises negotiating the scope of the commitment to prevent overextension. This includes delegating parts of the task, securing additional resources, or setting clear timelines to manage expectations effectively.

Rose [26:00]: "How do you negotiate the boundary of that when it is... I’m going to be handing that off."

Such negotiations ensure that while crucial tasks are undertaken, they do not disproportionately impact one's workload or well-being.

Notable Quotes

• Linda Babcock [05:50]: "Women have a harder time saying no because there can be backlash when they do."

• Rose [12:18]: "Non-promotable tasks should not rely on volunteers but should be part of job descriptions."

• Linda Babcock [19:10]: "Sometimes a B job is good enough. You don’t have to strive for excellence in every non-promotable task."

Conclusions and Key Takeaways

• Balancing Personal and Organizational Responsibility: Effective time management requires both individual discipline in saying no and organizational systems that distribute non-promotable tasks equitably.

• Recognizing Societal Pressures: Awareness of the societal and gender-based pressures that influence one's ability to set boundaries is crucial for personal well-being and professional advancement.

• Implementing Practical Strategies: Adopting strategies like the 24-hour rule and considering opportunity costs can significantly enhance one's ability to protect their time.

• Advocating for Systemic Change: Organizations must take active steps to ensure fair task allocation to prevent burnout and foster a more inclusive and productive workplace.

Final Thoughts

This episode underscores the multifaceted nature of time management and boundary-setting in the modern workplace. By combining personal strategies with systemic changes, individuals and organizations can create environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive without the undue burden of unrecognized responsibilities. Linda Babcock's insights provide a valuable roadmap for anyone looking to reclaim their time and prioritize their well-being.