Why Productivity Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

How many times have you watched a commercial or seen something on social media and thought, That’s it! That’s the solution to my problem!—only to adopt it immediately, expecting instant results? Just like marketing and advertising, productivity strategies aren’t one-size-fits-all.

The Problem with Generic Advice

I recently read an article that said, “Step one is accepting that you never have all the information. Step two is not being paralyzed by that awareness. Acknowledging and accepting that you can never have all the information liberates you.”

Another video I saw suggested that to be the most creative, you should structure your schedule in hour increments. Every hour on the hour, set an alarm to get up, walk around, and give your mind and body a much-needed reset.

Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn't Work

Both pieces of advice are great—for certain people. However, generalizing productivity tips can have unintended consequences. That’s why the first thing we do with every person we work with is understand their Personal Operating Engine—including what motivates them, how they naturally take action, and what skills or abilities give them the most energy and have the greatest impact.

How Different People Respond to Advice

Let’s look at how the two strategies above would impact two different types of people:

• Jerry thrives when information is given in bullet points, when he isn’t required to follow the same process every time, and when he has the freedom to brainstorm and try new things. For someone like him, the advice above would be energizing—giving him the flexibility to work in a way that aligns with his natural strengths.

• Kelley, on the other hand, thrives when she has all the details in a structured format, allowing her to create a process that minimizes risk and unexpected variables. For her, the same advice would be disruptive, leaving her feeling drained at the end of the day because limited information and interruptions go against her natural strengths.

The Game Changer: Understanding Personal Operating Engines

This is why understanding—not just knowing—how people operate is critical. When individuals are given the freedom to work in alignment with their natural instincts instead of against them, it’s a complete game changer. It’s not just about increasing efficiency; it’s about unlocking effectiveness and enabling people to perform at their best.

Ready to unlock what truly drives your team? Reach out to us to learn how.

Through our ELEVATE180 programs, your future becomes predictable. Transform your future by understanding yourself and your team in order to maximize your energy, capacity, and capability. If you’re ready to reach your fullest potential and unlock your Bigger Future, reach out to us. We’d love to schedule a call to explore how we can help you avoid burnout and elevate your success.

ELEVATION180 is a transformational coaching and mentoring organization that elevates your performance to achieve freedom, lifelong sustainable results, and a bigger future. Discover more by visiting www.ELEVATION180.com.

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For businesses, teams, and leaders, our ELEVATE180 programs help you transform your future by understanding yourself and your team to maximize energy, capacity, and capability.