“Should you find yourself in a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is likely to be more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks”, said Warren Buffett. The genius of investments knows very well that our time and attention are very valuable resources, so it is important to use them intelligently to be more productive and effective.
In fact, did you know that most people recognize that they spend 40% of their time on tasks that are not important or that are absolutely irrelevant? However, many do not know exactly how they are wasting time.
The key lies in self-knowledge, knowing what our strengths and weaknesses are will allow us to bring out the best of us with the least effort. Therefore, it is important that you identify what your productivity style is.
The productivity styles
Productivity psychologist Carson Tate defined three productivity styles based on her empirical experience based on how people learn, communicate and make decisions.
- Prioritizer
In this style of productivity predominate logic and analysis. It is a person who assumes a critical, analytical and realistic attitude. He tries to find facts and data on which to make decisions and prioritize tasks.
To be more efficient, this person will calculate the time it takes him to complete certain tasks and plan his day. In practice, his approach is similar to that of a laser beam: he focuses on a target, without dispersing. His communication is similar: short and to the point, focused on solving problems.
His strength lies in the ability to identify important details. This person usually organizes so well the work before starting that once he gets down to work he does not need to spend time and energy thinking about how to complete the tasks because he just follows the plan.
The weak point? This person is usually too controlling, rigid and competitive. He often has problems managing unforeseen events and may get bogged down in decision-making when he does not have all the necessary information.
- Planner
At first glance this style of productivity is similar to that of the prioritizer, but in reality the planner goes even deeper into the details of the project he must carry out. While the prioritizer only focuses on the essential aspects to complete the project quickly and accurately, the planner analyzes every detail, even the most inconsequential.
A prioritizer will feel good at the end of the day if he finished the most important tasks, a planner needs to finish as many tasks as possible because he focuses more on the amount of work, without discriminating according to its relevance.
The planner shines through his organized, sequential, planned and detailed thinking. It is a person who is not limited to planning the trip, accommodation, attractions and restaurants but also seeks the best means of transport and calculates the time devoted to each activity by planning each detail of the day.
He has good action plans and follow them up. His communication is also very detailed and precise, always including the fine print.
The weak point? He is not a spontaneous person, who may lose opportunities due to his resistance to deviate from the plans.
- Visualizer
This style of productivity is diametrically opposed to the others. The visualizer has a holistic, intuitive, integrating and synthesizing thinking. He is often an innovative and creative person who works better under pressure and often brings about positive changes wherever he goes.
This person does not usually plan long-term, has a general idea of the projects and dares to test his ideas, so he is evaluating the possibilities on the fly. He focuses on more general concepts and usually juggles different projects that he leads at the same time, otherwise he gets bored easily.
His communication usually reflects that holistic vision, so he usually talks about big projects and connects different concepts, integrating them under a new perspective that generates new opportunities.
The weak point? He has a tendency to overlook details and his excessive spontaneity and impulsiveness can play tricks on him causing him to make calculation mistakes.
Source:
Tate, C. (2015) The 4 Types of Productivity Styles. In: 99U.
