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Henry Burkert

Do you work more productively when you are with others or when you are alone?

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When I'm around people (like in a coffee shop or an open-plan office), I'm very good at working on creative topics and new ideas. However, when I'm working on my to-do's, I need my peace and quiet and prefer to be alone, otherwise I get distracted very easily. What about you?

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Anastasiya Gurevska
Probably no difference, the main thing is to keep focus on the task 🙃
Henry Burkert
@anastasiya_gurevska You're right. Unfortunately, my concentration isn't so good when there's a lot going on around me. :-)
Anastasiya Gurevska
@henry_burkert Some time ago, my colleague advised me to practice sound accompaniment - binaural beat, which helps to keep focus on any task you're doing. There are applications that make the practice very convenient.
Henry Burkert
@anastasiya_gurevska I need to focus more on how to work productively with people. Thanks for your advice. :)
I was at Barnes & Noble cafe yesterday working away on my computer. Somehow — even with all of the hustle and bustle of people working, and meeting, and studying, and enjoying their coffee / tea — I somehow worked 7 straight hours without even noticing the clock! I couldn’t believe it! I’m definitely VERY productive with other people around… even at airports or on a train. Though, as you say, sometimes solitude and silence are needed for full focus.
Henry Burkert
@ambiencelife Wow, I wish I could do that. I'm distracted in a coffee shop as soon as the waiter drops his first glass :D
@henry_burkert I understand completely! Focus is a skill. And, for most of us — like every other skill — it requires practice and dedication. There are different ways to practice focus… but, one of the most important steps is to get very clear on: 1. “What is the endgoal I want from this situation (job, project, career, etc)? 2. “Why is this endgoal important to me? What will my life be like if I achieve what I want?” 3. “How does this task in front of me get me closer to that endgoal?” It may seem like a bit of extra work… but, having these clear in your mind can help remind you of what’s important when you start to get distracted. Also, a good accountability partner can help with these practices, tools and habits for more focus / less distraction, and providing feedback, nudges, and praise to help you stay on track! I offer this services in a traditional coaching style format. And, there are also many others who do as well.
Gurkaran Singh
Hey there! I totally resonate with your work style. It's all about finding that sweet spot, right? For me, I find my creative juices flowing when I'm surrounded by hustle and bustle, but when it's time to tackle the nitty-gritty tasks, I need my solitude. It's like a dance between collaboration and concentration. How about you? Let's swap productivity tips and tricks! 🚀
Shreya Gupta
Mix like yours 🙌🏽
Marvin Mändle
Alone is so much better for focus time. In public or office you speak more to colleagues or strangers. For me, I get more out of the time while working at home!
Julia Engelsmann
If I want to be really productive, I work best from home and alone. It's harder to concentrate when I'm with people