WORKING

The Task Master

People at Lee Knight's weekly productivity parties show up with laptops, headphones and a cache of work -- not wine or dance music.

Knight, a career and life coach, organizes get-togethers for clients and others struggling with discipline and focus. On Monday nights in Ballston, about nine people get index cards on which they write a "measurable task" they will complete in the two 50-minute work blocks. They also scribble a promise to stay away from a "productivity pitfall" -- perhaps text messaging or YouTube, although Knight often does not even open her Internet browser.

Then they begin their tasks. "Everybody's in their own zone. You feel somewhat inspired by the others who are working," Knight said. "It's positive peer pressure."

Knight calls herself an "overachievers coach" and suggests to clients working on focus and efficiency that they block off time for key tasks.

Gatherings like hers work, Knight said, because "you have this group that is holding you accountable to do the task you said you would." Besides, a competitive streak kicks in as people prove their speed and focus.

-- Vickie Elmer