Carson Tate

“I liked this book a lot. I definitely learned that I am a combination of all four productivity styles. “

“As a Prioritizer I use my time effectively and efficiently by blocking out my time in focus blocks of three hours and thirty minutes with an eighteen minute break. I plan out my reading of books and Internet usage. I focus on the project outcomes for the day, week, month, and years and then break it down into different paint strokes so that I can paint my picture one stroke at a time. This means I only focus on the one task. The one goal after figuring out the entire picture of my main goal for the next three days. Then I tackle the next paint stroke in the next three day cycle. I keep doing this until the work is complete. This benefits me a lot because I am able to get a lot of writing and reading done within one day by focusing only on that and building up my intellectual muscles so that I can use what I learn as lessons for my church during weekly church services. And also show myself that God has a plan for me and that if I do it His Way He won’t disappoint or fail me.”

“I hate small talk or meaningless chatter because I feel it is a waste of time and I only have so much time with people before I mentally check out and focus on what I was doing beforehand. A lot of times the meaningless chatter is not Important or just pointless. So I have learned not to engage. I just walk away and hope their chatter does not affect anything that God has given me to do in life. Sometimes I question God and ask why people are against me but I always remember that though man may be against me with their meaningless chatter God is for me. There are people that love, value, treasure, and support me. Especially in my writing and singing ministries! That is something to be proud of! That I have written so much. And recorded so much music and learned so many new songs all to glorify God and share the blessings He has bestowed on my life and the journey He has taken me on. As well as to share my life story.”

“Talking unless directly spoken to is inefficient use of time. A lot of time I talk when no one is talking to me and that is a bad habit and a bad practice. I am learning that if people want to talk to me or have a relationship with me then they can approach me and start a conversation or dialogue. I can just believe whilst they are dreaming. And achieve whilst they are leaving. Talking does not make you intelligent or competent or an expert at anything. Listening, practice, and skill, as well as results and outcomes do. No talking means more observation and wisdom and hearing what others have to say. It also means them opening up their hearts to you without you having to say a word or offer a response. Except a smile and a hug. Those who talk a lot are considered a fool in the Bible because their words are sweet as honey. Meaning there is nothing of substance. It is just air. Nothing really that they are saying at all. It is either complaining or whining. And I cannot stand either. So I walk away.”

“As a Planner I maintain detailed lists of what I am doing, what I am supposed to be doing, and when I want to finish it by (time and date). I also know my WIG for that session so I focus on that for that focus block. Incomplete my work zell ahead in advance of my deadlines and churn ahead to the next deadline at a manageable but always enjoyable pace for me. Seeking to create each work of art my own.”

“I am able to find flaws in the plans of others through prayer, fasting, singing, reading books, and skillful observation. It helps that I do not talk much at all. Even more so that I am empathetic. Yet I have taken a step back from being empathetic and have started focusing on my own mental health, emotional health and wellness, and physical health and wellness. And not give everything I have to others. But give everything I have to myself. Stop focusing on others and their journey and problems and issues. And start focusing on me and stabilizing and balancing me in all the areas I want to be balanced and focused in with the support and trust of my support network.”

“As a Visiualizer I am openminded to new concepts and ideas. I am easily able to adapt to new people and new situations without fussing or complaining or whining. I maintain visual lists using color when writing. I recognize new opportunities and take them and use them to achieve whilst everyone else is complaining or leaving.”

“I am able to integrate new ideas and concepts after thinking about how to maximize it for my overall goal. If it does not fit my overall goal then I save it until it is.”

“I love asking questions. That’s the Visiualizer in me. I do not want to misinterpret anything the person is saying.”… (mehr)

I am a sucker for personality quizzes, so it is perhaps no surprise that my favourite part of Work Simply was the part where you determine which of four "Productivity Styles" (Prioritizer, Planner, Visualizer, Arranger) you possess. From this initial assessment, Tate discusses a variety of problematic aspects at work: controlling inboxes and calendars, effectively delegating tasks to others, leading the perfect meeting, and getting along with people who have different Productivity Styles. Each aspect is examined through the lens of each Productivity Style, with tips and tricks for each one.

Personally, I'm not sure how much new I got out of it. My result of Planner with a very strong second-place finish for Prioritizer (a difference of only three points) came as no surprise, and many of the tips were things that I do or have done at work in the past. So I guess it shows I'm on the right track?

One tip I did like for time management and scheduling tasks was the idea of "theme days", which was actually a tip for the Visualizers and Arrangers. Having a single day dedicated to a theme would be an interesting way to schedule project work and also perhaps clear away some of the boring administrative stuff. However, I'd probably do a morning or an afternoon instead of a full day.

I also think the chapter on how to lead effective meetings should be required reading for all meeting organizers. It provides good advice on making sure that all Productivity Styles are accommodated during the meeting and that everyone is involved and engaged.

If this book sounds of interest to you, it's worth a shot. It can get a bit repetitive though, so perhaps better as a flipping-through book than as a cover-to-cover book.… (mehr)