We all have the same amount of time – 168 hours per week to be exact. And it is non-renewal – once you spend it you can never get it back, and some even go as far as arguing it’s our most precious resource.
Despite this, it is thought that we waste many hours per week by being unproductive, and worse still, regularly give our time away for free at work. Author of Work Simply, Carson Tate, believes that one size does not fit all when it comes to productivity. And I couldn’t agree more.
When people adopt strategies that support their left-brain or right-brain tendencies experts agree that productivity increases. So how do you know what suits you?
Carson has developed the Productivity Styles assessment, a quick online tool that identifies how you think and process information. Whether you’re a Prioritizer, Planner, Arranger or Visualiser, each of the four (4) Productivity Styles has their strengths, and by knowing your preference you can optimise your performance.
The Prioritizer
A Prioritizer always defers to logical, analytical, fact-based, critical, and realistic thinking. To increase their efficiency, they will time how long it takes to complete certain tasks in order to more accurately plan their days and weeks. They have never met a goal they did not like and apply a laser-like focus to ensure they accomplish their goals.
Contributions to the team:
- Analyzing data
- Critical analysis and logical problem solving
- Goal orientation, consistency, and decisiveness
The Planner
The Planner thrives on organized, sequential, planned, and detailed thinking. They have been known to write something on their to-do list that has already been completed just so they can cross it off. They thrive on schedules and action plans and are known for their timely follow-ups. They hate attending a meeting without an agenda. Their emails are detailed, often including bullet points and clearly stated next-action steps.
Contributions to the team:
- Action orientation and practicality
- Finding overlooked flaws in plans or processes
- Organizing and maintaining data and project plans
The Arranger
An Arranger prefers supportive, expressive, and emotional thinking. They excel at partnering with colleagues to get work done. They are a natural communicator and dislike it when people lack that personal touch or rely too heavily on data or facts. Arrangers are talkers; they love stories, eye-to-eye contact, expressing concern for others, and asking questions about the way a project or task helps others.
Contributions to the team:
- Anticipating how others will feel and understanding their underlying emotions
- Facilitating team interaction
- Persuading and selling ideas
The Visualizer
A Visualizer prefers holistic, intuitive, integrating, and synthesizing thinking. They thrive under pressure and are easily bored if they are not juggling multiple, diverse projects. A Visualizer focuses on the big picture and broad concepts making connections. At times, they have a tendency to overlook details and tend to value the possibilities of the process. Their excessive spontaneity and impulsiveness can lead to breakthrough ideas, but can also derail project plans at times. A Visualizer has probably not seen the surface of their desk in years because if something is out of sight, it is out of mind.
Contributions to the team:
- Innovation; serving as a catalyst for change
- Creative problem solving
- Ability to envision the future, recognize new opportunities and integrate ideas and concepts
As Carson says ‘It’s time to work simply!’ Complete the free online assessment today, identify your unique Productivity Style and learn strategies that are tailored to optimise your performance.
By Vanessa Vanderhoek
Vanessa’s encouraging and enthusiastic, yet downright honest and flexible approach will ensure that you get a competitive edge and put your best foot forward. She delivers ‘real world’ practical career coaching, empowering people of all ages and stages to be the boss of their career.
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