The CEO reveals his calendar strategy for maximizing productivity: It's all about utilizing my time effectively.

Alex Vetter's company primarily operates online, but he maintains his monthly schedule offline using a printed calendar.

Vetter, the CEO of Cars.com, always carries his physical agenda and updates it manually as his commitments change. He considers it his blueprint for where he needs to be and how he will allocate his time. Cars.com is currently valued at $1.25 billion, and Vetter has been leading the company since 2014.

Vetter doesn't print out his daily calendar, which he keeps digitally and checks on his phone. However, he prefers a hard copy of his monthly itinerary because it helps him get a long-term view of his engagements, as he explains: "I can look ahead and see the bigger picture of where my time is being invested over the month or quarter."

Vetter and his assistant meet every Monday to review his schedule for the upcoming weeks and optimize it for the "best uses of my time," says Vetter. Additionally, the assistant audits Vetter's calendar annually, breaking it down into a pie chart organized by types of time spent, as per Vetter.

Vetter measures the effectiveness of balancing his meetings with customers, employees, investors, and himself through visualization, he explains.

Like other CEOs, Whole Foods Market CEO Jason Buechel uses productivity strategies such as time blocking to work more efficiently.

Buechel stated that Whole Foods advises its employees to hold 20-minute meetings instead of 30-minute ones, and 50-minute meetings instead of hourlong ones. The extra 10 minutes can be utilized for more impromptu meetings with direct reports or addressing urgent issues that may arise.

Vetter advises that adding something to your calendar doesn't guarantee its permanence, as unexpected situations or priorities can arise in any job. To remain productive, it's crucial to be flexible and adaptable in responding to unexpected events.

Vetter states that he cannot recall a week without a display of agility.

Earn more money at work by taking CNBC's online course on negotiating a higher salary. Expert instructors will teach you the necessary skills to increase your paycheck, including how to prepare, build confidence, communicate effectively, and craft a counteroffer. Start now and use the coupon code EARLYBIRD for a 50% discount through November 26, 2024.

Sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to receive expert advice on work, money, and life.