Productive teams know how to work together; what helps the high-performing teams is a shared operating system, much like your PC.
A shared operating system allows people to get the work done, but using a unifying set of core principles (like apps on a PC) creates shared understanding. Imagine if you used a slide deck tool incompatible with the Microsft PowerPoint used by a colleague or customer; how frustrating would that be? How much time would be wasted decoding and figuring it out?
There is no decoding with a shared operating system; we all know how we do stuff, so we’re straight into what matters. With a common set of ‘how we get stuff done’ principles, it enables teams to shortcut and accelerate their productivity and increase output.
Welcome to a unique exploration of What Top Gun can teach us about productivity. Inspired by the iconic line from Top Gun Maverick – “It all comes down to the pilot in the box!”
Ricky takes you on an exciting journey to redefine productivity. Hit play to dive into a world where your mindset, habits, and actions take centre stage, far beyond any tool or app.
Why Watch This Video? Break free from the endless cycle of new productivity tools. Transform your approach to tasks and challenges. Build habits that boost productivity effortlessly.
Cultivate behaviours that enhance efficiency and focus. Gain valuable insights from relatable, real-life examples.
Ricky’s Message: “Be the pilot in your productivity journey. It’s not about the tools you use; it’s all about you!
If you’re ready to take control of your productivity and learn from the wisdom of Top Gun Maverick, this video is for you!
There are moments, often, when we hit milestones that symbolise the end of something (like the end of a year), that we stop and take a moment to look back. This moments are opportunities to reflect, to learn and to prepare to start again.
Yet, in work, these moments are missed as we jump from project to project, urgent task to urgent task. Urgency getting in the way of growth, learning and, most importantly, using this wisdom to focus on the things that will have the biggest impact on our goals.
In this podcast, Ricky talks with Paul about the power of these moments, asking why these are so important, yet often undervalued in the workplace. Of course, they also get into some simple ways that you can make your reflection time more effective and why this does not need to take very much time at all if you do it right.
It is that time of year, when we start to reflect on the year and promise ourselves that next year will be different. Next year, we will be fitter, healthier, more successful and just so much better. Sadly, for most of us, New Year’s Resolutions have the nasty habit of fading away as life pushes us back to old habits and practices.
So, what if this is the year? What if there is something that you want to change? That is what Ricky wanted, so in this podcast, he finds out from our resident psychologist, Paul, what is required to make your New Year Resolutions stick.
Probably not a surprise, but these tips turn out to work for all goals. So, even if you don’t have the urge to reinvent yourself this podcast offers simple strategies to make sure that you stick at and pursue the goals that matter to you.
Why do people lie at work? The answer is we all lie, be that to others and ourselves, though we don’t (always) mean to lie.
What is happening?
In this video, we unpack workplace discussions and why they often lead to mistrust and dissatisfaction. We are all fallible, but why do we unintentionally lie at work? Why do we convince ourselves that something is true when it just ain’t so? Tune in to discover the world of confabulation and how to mitigate its impact in the workplace.
In this podcast, Rob and Ricky don their capes and dive into the world of stellar communication. (what they get up to in their own time is up to them!) What does it take to be a true communication superhero in an era riddled with distractions, impatience, and information overload?
Being an effective communicator isn’t just about conveying messages; it’s about understanding, connecting, and making an impact. Yet, many of us falter, whether it’s due to a lack of skills, a disregard for respect and courtesy, or simply a scattered focus and lack of purpose in our interactions.
In this episode, they dissect the critical skills that often go amiss in daily communications. They look at areas such as the role of respect and courtesy in dialogue and deep into the importance of having a clear focus and purpose behind every word and gesture.
They also provide actionable steps, techniques, and insights to help you rise above these challenges. It’s time to transition from a communication novice to a true communication superhero. Capes are optional.Â
Progress vs Perfection: why perfectionism is the enemy of progress!
In today’s video, join Ricky as he delves into progress versus perfectionism, why perfectionism might be holding you back and how embracing progress can be a game-changer!
What’s Inside: Understand the pitfalls of perfectionism
Ricky’s personal journey from hesitation to 100K views! The immense power of the progress mindset.
Practical insights on how to shift from perfection to progress. Don’t wait; get started!
Key Takeaways:
Perfectionism can lead to procrastination.
Fear of failure and burnout.
Progress promotes growth, resilience, and satisfaction.
The journey and the learning process bring more value than the end goal. Join our community, and let’s celebrate our journeys together!
Rob and Ricky as they dive headfirst into the intricate web of common communication pitfalls that leave many of us scratching our heads, wondering, “Where did that go wrong?”
Have you ever sat through a meeting and thought it was a complete waste of time? We explore the impact of poorly conducted meetings – how they not only drain our time but also our energy and productivity. We’ve all been there, and it’s time to address the elephant in the room.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Assumptions. They say when you assume, you make an “ass” out of “u” and “me.” We delve into the dangers of making assumptions in communication, how they lead us astray, and the strategies to avoid them.
In our digital age, emails have become the backbone of corporate communication. But are they always effective? We discuss the overuse and misuse of email, leading to cluttered inboxes and missed messages. And as if that wasn’t enough, we’re also battling against the tide of information overload.Â
When it comes to boosting productivity, many people focus on external tools, systems, or processes, hoping these will unlock greater efficiency. However, the real key to sustainable productivity lies within—the “pilot in the box.” This metaphor highlights that it’s not the technology or resources at your disposal but the individual driving them that determines success.
This article explores the critical role of personal mindset, habits, and decision-making in achieving peak performance. It delves into how a growth-oriented mindset, intentional behaviours, and the ability to adapt to challenges are far more powerful than any external solution. By taking ownership of one’s mental focus, creating disciplined routines, and fostering self-awareness, individuals can transform how they work, making every tool and resource exponentially more effective. The message is clear: productivity isn’t about what you have; it’s about how you use it—and the pilot’s role is irreplaceable.
In an age where new productivity tools and apps emerge daily, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the next shiny toy or methodology will magically make us more productive; I know I have. I love a new gadget—who doesn’t?
Over many years, I have wasted so much money searching for that something special to make me more productive. I would use them until the next shiny, “fantastic new tool that solves all your productivity issues” arrived.
While systems, software and processes play a role in organising and streamlining tasks, when you boil it down, “it all comes down to the pilot in the box.” Now I realise that is a Top Gun: Maverick quote, but it sounds so cool I just had to weave it in somewhere. I mean that it’s down to me, you, us, the masters of our destiny, to change our mindset, habits and behaviour.
1. Mindset: The Power Of Perception
Our beliefs and attitudes can either propel us forward or hold us back. As popularized by Carol Dweck, a growth mindset means believing in the potential for development and seeing challenges as opportunities. When faced with a task, someone with a growth mindset doesn’t get bogged down by the fear of failure; they see it as a learning experience.
Conversely, constantly seeking the “perfect” system might be symptomatic of a fixed mindset—the belief that productivity is an inherent trait rather than something we can develop.
Thus, cultivating a mindset that embraces challenges, remains curious and is resilient in the face of setbacks can be more crucial than the intricacies of any productivity system.
2. Habit: The Rhythm Of Consistency
Every time we turn to a new system or software, there’s a learning curve. Often, once we’re familiar with a tool, we move on to another, forever chasing the promise of enhanced productivity. This constant shifting is a productivity trap in itself. But what if the secret to productivity isn’t in the tool but in the routine?
Habits, once formed, require less mental energy. They become second nature, allowing us to execute tasks efficiently without the cognitive load of decision-making. For example, regularly reviewing tasks could be more beneficial than any software in which those tasks are stored.
Creating positive habits, such as daily planning or setting specific times for checking emails, can profoundly impact your productivity more than perpetually switching between tools and systems.
3. Behavior: Actions Speak Louder Than Tools
Even with the best software and processes in place, our behaviour ultimately determines productivity. Procrastination, for instance, can’t be solved by any app, no matter how sophisticated. It requires introspection, understanding the root cause and taking corrective actions.
Behaviours like setting boundaries, learning to say “no” and prioritising tasks based on importance rather than urgency can drastically improve productivity. These u, rooted in self-awareness and discipline, can determine how effectively we use any system or tool.
Tools Are Tools: People Drive Productivity
Instead of constantly searching for the next big thing in productivity tools like me, it might be time for us all to look inward and realise that we—the “pilot in the box” of our mind, not the tools—are the primary drivers of our productivity.
The intricate dance between habits, mindsets and behaviours is far more profound than any external tool or system we might employ in our quest for productivity. These elements, deeply rooted in our neural pathways, cognitive structures and past experiences, are critical in determining our daily actions and overall effectiveness.
Mindset: Mindset shapes our perceptions and responses to challenges. A growth mindset encourages resilience and biologically primes the brain for adaptability and problem-solving. By embracing this mindset, you can take a proactive approach to tasks, fostering continuous learning and improvement.
Habits: Habits tap into the brain’s propensity to conserve energy. As they become ingrained, they free up our cognitive resources, allowing us to focus on novel tasks and challenges. By consciously establishing routines that align with our goals, we can harness this neurological efficiency for productivity.
Behaviour: By understanding the psychological impetus behind behaviours like procrastination or distraction, we can develop strategies to mitigate them. This introspection enables a more holistic approach to productivity, where we’re not just ticking boxes but addressing core issues that might hold us back.
In the hustle of the modern world, it can be tempting to reach for tangible, external solutions to enhance productivity. Yet the most potent tools lie within our minds. By delving into our habits, mindsets, and behaviours and tailoring these elements to serve our goals, we can unlock a sustainable, effective, and profoundly fulfilling productivity level.
This article first appeared on Forbes.com on 14th November 2023
Ricky has been a regular contributor to the Forbes Councils since 2023, where he shares his perspectives on all things leadership, change, culture and productivity, all with Thinking Focus’ unique perspective on metacognition, or as we prefer to say, thinking about thinking.
