Our team tried implementing focus time policies three separate times - always collapses when execs need ‘just a quick sync’. Seen multiple PMs burn out trying to protect maker schedules. For those at companies that made this stick: what specific boundaries did leadership respect, and how did you sell it up the chain without sounding lazy?
you don’t. real boundary setting means letting the CFO’s 7pm email sit until monday. got written up twice but hey, my kid recognizes me now. pro tip: schedule fake customer calls in the calendar - even VPs hesitate to override revenue-related blocks.
we used async videos for updates! like loom instead of meetings. worked for 2 weeks then sr. director said ‘too time consuming’. back to square one 
Tie the policy to measurable outcomes. We presented data showing 63% faster PR reviews on meeting-free days. Made leadership approve exceptions through a shared cost-benefit form. Only 17% of requested overrides were deemed critical enough to justify - others backed down voluntarily.
A/B tested meeting-free days across 8 teams. Those with executive buy-in showed 22% higher velocity, others saw no change. Conclusion: Unless C-suite visibly participates, policies fail. Recommend starting with pilot data from engineering before expanding company-wide.