Productivity depends on your thinking style: define your

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The author of the book on the individual system of effectiveness told about four approaches to work and the tools applicable to them.

There can be no one-size-fits-all productivity strategy. Find a principle that suits your thinking style and work in a way that suits your strengths. We usually do this unconsciously: habitual patterns of recognition and information processing govern our behavior. But when we are surrounded on all sides by "proven" programs and advice from various consultants and gurus, we often go against the preferences inherent in nature.

To increase your productivity, you should first define your thinking style. Scientists distinguish four types of it: priority, planner, organizer and visualizer. They can partially overlap, so don't worry if you notice features of several styles in yourself. Try different approaches and tools to see what works for you.

1. Priority

Such people always rely on logic, analytical thinking based on facts. To improve efficiency, they keep track of how much time it takes to complete different tasks in order to better plan the schedule for the day and week. For them, there are no uninteresting goals, and in order to achieve their goals, they completely concentrate on work.

Sometimes they tend to be in control, and in the office they may be seen as assertive and competitive. They do not like empty conversations and incomplete data, do not share too personal information. Their messages are often just a few sentences or even just a few letters.

Contribution to the team

• Data analysis.
• Critical thinking and a logical approach to problem solving.
• Goal orientation, consistency, firmness.

The right tools for productivity

• 42Goals - Tracks daily goals and activities.
• Daytum - Helps you collect day-to-day data and categorize it.
• Moosti is a tomato based timer.
• Wunderlist - Keeps track of tasks and reminds you of them.
• Regular notepad and label printer.

2. Planner

People of this type are great at step-by-step, detailed thinking and planning. Unlike priority ones, they dive into all the details of the project, while the former focus only on what can help to quickly and accurately complete the task.

Spontaneity is not typical for planners. It even happens that they miss opportunities due to their unwillingness to deviate from the plan. Sometimes they write down tasks that have already been completed on the to-do list, just to cross them out. They need schedules and action plans and get things done on time. In a conversation, they want the interlocutor to get down to business faster. Their messages are detailed, often including bulleted lists and well-written steps.

Contribution to the team

• Practical and action-oriented.
• Ability to find unnoticed errors in plans or processes.
• Organization of large amounts of data.

The right tools for productivity

• Toodledo - Allows you to create your own lists, track habits, and view tasks on the calendar.
• Habit trackers in which you need to track progress on a daily basis and you can see interim reports.
• Objectiveli - Helps you manage and track goals in real time.
• Printer for printing labels, file folders and other stationery.

3. Organizer

These people prefer an expressive and emotional style of thinking. They love to work in a team and get along well with colleagues. They are born communicators, skillfully organize meetings.

They are annoyed by the lack of individuality and people who rely too much on numbers and facts. The organizers love to talk, eye contact, empathy, discussion of issues and problems are important to them. Often they have to limit themselves so as not to add another addressee to the copy of the letter.

Contribution to the team

• The ability to anticipate the reactions of others and understand their feelings.
• Organization of communication in a team.
• Ability to convince, promote ideas.

The right tools for productivity

• focus @ will is a neuroscience-driven music service that selects music for concentration.
• stickK - helps to develop habits through a contract with oneself and accountability to other participants.
• Redbooth is a collaboration and communication tool that simplifies workflows.
• Visually and tactilely pleasant stationery, pens with multi-colored ink.

4. Visualizer

People of this type tend to have holistic intuitive thinking. They work great under stress and get bored if they don't have to juggle multiple diverse projects.

Visualizers see the big picture and are able to find connections between ideas. Sometimes they overlook the details and usually value the opportunity more than the process. Their spontaneity and impulsiveness lead to breakthrough ideas, but sometimes they can thwart plans. These people usually have a creative mess on their desk, and their messages are long and lengthy.

Contribution to the team

• Innovative ideas.
• A creative approach to problem solving.
• Ability to see new opportunities and integrate ideas.

The right tools for productivity

• Lifetick is a visual tool for achieving goals.
• Programs for drawing up mental maps.
• ZenPen is a minimalistic typing tool with no distractions.
• Bright stickers and folders, unlined notepads, multi-colored ink pens, a large white board, and anything else that helps you keep your papers in a clear and organized way.