Finding Focus: Scheduling Time for Deep Work and Quality

In my journey as a lead, I discovered that success isn’t just about churning out the most work—it’s about staying connected with the product and team, managing workloads effectively, and tackling predictable challenges as they arise. Through trial and error, I found that scheduling specific time blocks for tasks like exploratory testing and code reviews transformed my productivity and impact as a Lead, creating a rhythm and balance that benefited both me and my team.

Exploratory Testing: A Space for Discovery

Each day, I reserved a window on my calendar labeled "Exploratory/Introspection," signaling to my team that I was dedicating time to dive into overlooked areas of the product. This wasn’t another task to check off—it was a chance to slow down, experiment, and approach the product with fresh eyes. I treated it as a playful challenge to "break" things in new ways, separate from sprint-driven tasks. By making this time visible, I encouraged others to value deep, creative testing as a core part of our process, fostering a culture where exploration wasn’t an afterthought but a priority.

Code Reviews: Ensuring Quality and Collaboration

I also carved out a dedicated hour for code reviews, where I’d sift through GitHub, examine open PRs (frontend and backend), and provide feedback or step in to resolve stalled discussions. If debates grew too complex, I’d nudge the team to settle them in person or via chat, then summarize the resolution in a comment to keep the PR’s history clear for future readers. This focused block ensured no contribution went unnoticed, strengthened collaboration, reduced misunderstandings, and maintained high code quality without overloading anyone’s schedule.

The Ripple Effect of Focus Blocks

Scheduling these "focus blocks" didn’t just help me—it inspired the team. Colleagues began adopting similar practices: a QA engineer might set aside time for documentation review, while an engineering lead could dedicate a slot to refining config files or updating linter rules. These visible time blocks reinforced that thorough testing and quality reviews were integral to our success, not optional extras.

Key Takeaways for Effective Scheduling

• Make Time Visible: Label your focus blocks clearly on a shared calendar to set expectations and encourage others to prioritize deep work.
• Balance Exploration and Duty: Use these blocks for creative tasks like exploratory testing, separate from daily sprint goals, to maintain a fresh perspective.
• Lead by Collaboration: Dedicate time for reviews to ensure contributions are acknowledged and discussions stay productive.
• Promote Innovation: Show that quality-focused time is valuable, inspiring your team to adopt similar habits tailored to their roles.

By scheduling focus blocks for deep work and quality reviews, I not only improved my own effectiveness but also allowed a team culture that valued thoroughness and collaboration. This approach ensures that testing, reviews, and innovation aren’t sidelined by "progress", but become key drivers of a product’s success, creating a workplace where quality and creativity thrive.