How to Find and Use Your Brain’s Productivity Style

Everyone has their own style of working, and when we figure that out, we can perform at our best, according to an article from Fast Company. 

But productivity systems aren’t a catchall. What works for one co-worker who is most productive early in the morning may not work for you. Our brains require different approaches and thrive on various energy patterns that are informed by our experiences and genetics.

Fast Company shares four broad productivity styles to consider: The Disciplined Virtuoso (Focus & Discipline) thrives on structure, consistency and clear goals. The Creative Shape-Shifter (Reinvention & Innovation) thrives when they can reinvent themselves, innovate. The Resilient Improviser (Experimentation & Recovery) thrives in uncertain times. The Collaborative Conductor (Collaboration & Vulnerability) thrives when orchestrating others.

“Think of them as sections of an orchestra: Each contributes differently, and the magic happens when they play in harmony,” the article says.

It’s important to know your productivity style and work with it rather than against it. Team synergy is key as well, as organizations need a mix of productivity styles in leadership and on teams.

Identify your peak energy hours by tracking your work time for a week. “Virtuosos often peak early; shape-shifters may find evenings more generative,” says Fast Company. “Map your motivational triggers. Do you thrive on check- lists or freedom? Pay attention to when you feel ‘in flow.’” 

Also revisit past projects to see if you were most engaged when you were innovating, executing, adapting or collaborating. Talk with colleagues about what they see as your strengths. Then apply all this feedback and design your environment with intention, whether it’s
an open collaboration zone, a tidy desk with project management tools or whiteboards to visualize ideas. Make sure that focus, innovation, experimentation and collaboration are represented in workspaces. Also, strike a balance between structure and freedom to guide how you work and what you choose to work on.

“When you know your style, you not only work better, you know who to partner with to fill your gaps,” the article says. 

Here’s how to find and use your productivity style to encourage resilience, creativity and sustainable high performance.

• _{Take inventory. Track when you feel most energized.}
• _{Label your style. Are you a virtuoso, shape-shifter, improviser or conductor?}
• _{Align your calendar. Schedule high-value tasks during your peak windows.}
• _{Curate your ensemble. Partner with colleagues whose styles complement yours.}
• _{Review weekly. Ask, Did I honor my style? Did I balance it with others?}