How to Thrive At the Office
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No matter whether you work at home, rule over the corner office, or live in Cubicleville, the key to thriving at work is less about your office space and more about knowing yourself and your optimal learning environment.
Growing up, people probably told you that you were a quiet kid or that you were a hands-on learner. I believe that we’re still those little boys and girls on the inside and that the ways we learn and grow stays pretty consistent throughout our lives.
Those “quiet” type kids end up being adults with an Independent or Analytic optimal learning style. These two styles often get mixed up—here’s my trick for telling them apart.
When it comes to processing new information, independents need space while Analytics need time.
If you’re an Independent, you’ll thrive best in a distraction free environment. Escape to a library, close the door on your office, or put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign when you’re doing important work.
Analytics need to give themselves enough time to make decisions and process new information. Unlike Independents, some outside stimulation is appreciated and can actually help Analytics not get stuck in their head. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed as an Analytic if you’re surrounded by Synergistic or Kinesthetic learners. Just remember that your need for extra time helps you make well-thought out decisions. It’s an asset, not a liability.
Here’s a shocker—Synergistic learners need synergy. In other words, it’s important for this type of learner to have verbal collaboration. Set up your workspace so that it’s welcoming to others and place yourself in communities, both in business and in your personal life. If you’re a Buffini & Company Member, Buffini Groups are a great way to find those communities.
Almost all of us have some level of Kinesthetic in our profiles. Kinesthetic learners do best when they “learn on the job” and discover things by trial and error. This can be a painful path at times, but it’s essential to make sure lessons stick. If this sounds like you, make sure you put yourself in learning environments where solutions aren’t just handed to you—you have to figure things out.
Once you know your optimal learning environment, make sure you seek out opportunities to improve your skills! I’ll be talking more about leveraging your personal strengths at Buffini & Company’s GameChangers™—find one near you.
Kevin
