Dan Pink: Productivity Improvement Techniques, Chronotypes, and Napucinnos – Episode #108

Dan Pink is not a guy who normally would come to mind when you begin thinking about a person who can teach you productivity improvement techniques. But given that Dan is committed to a research-based approach to his writing, it shouldn’t surprise you that he's discovered something that can improve your productivity either. His new book, “When” is a masterpiece for those looking to improve their productivity - but you won’t know it when you first pick up the book. This conversation digs into what Dan discovered through his research about how humans work, how our biological cycles and clocks inform the decisions we should make about the work we do and provides practical things you can do to increase your chances of getting more important stuff done. Dan’s discoveries are revolutionary, so don’t miss it.

.@DanielPink: #Productivity Improvement Techniques, #Chronotypes, and Napucinnos, on episode 109 of #InTheArena with @Iannarino. #SalesClick To Tweet

Are the “morning person” and “night owl” stereotypes based in reality?

For a very long time, we’ve heard people referred to as “morning person” or “night owl.” It’s an example of a trite saying that IS a trite saying because there is truth to it. Dan Pink's research has revealed that there really are rhythms to life and patterns to the way individuals operate that make them more prone to be productive at different times of the day. Why does that matter for productivity? It's because knowing which type of person you are will enable you to strategically plan certain types of work for specific times of the day. The result is that you’ll be operating at peak capacity when you are working. These ideas make a lot more sense in the context of the conversation Anthony had with Dan, so set aside time to listen to this intriguing conversation.
Peak, trough, and recovery: 3 stages of daily activity you need to understand
One of the most important things Dan Pink has discovered while researching for his new book, “When” is that every human being operates in cycles. We all experience the following three periods in every day - peaks, troughs, and recovery periods. When you are able to identify exactly WHEN each of those periods happens in your typical day, you’re able to do the right kind of work during the right time frame and your productivity soars as a result. This is more than a productivity improvement technique, it’s a day planning strategy that can yield results beyond what you might imagine. Listen in to the conversation and you’ll hear it straight from the horse’s mouth. New York Times Best-Selling Author, Dan Pink is Anthony’s guest on this episode of In The Arena.

Peak, trough, and recovery: 3 stages of daily #activity you need to understand. @DanielPink explains why on this episode of #InTheArena with @Iannarino. #sales #productivityClick To Tweet
Why you should never evaluate your decisions based on the outcome
Outcome-based evaluations are never a good idea, even though it’s the kind of reasoning most of us fall into. You can’t tell if an idea was good or bad simply because of the outcome because there are too many variables that could have or didn’t happen to be entirely sure of the result. Dan cites the decision to run every red light on the way to work as an example. Just because you get to work safely and without being pulled over by the police doesn’t mean it was a good idea. Listen to find out how Dan applies this concept to decision making, sales strategy, and day-planning and productivity.
Are you limiting your productivity by trying to be too productive?
Most of us who are worker-bees or "doers" spend our day in non-stop productivity mode. But research reveals that non-stop production actually becomes counterproductive. In this conversation, Dan Pink highlights how breaks throughout the day, and even what he calls a “Napucinno” (you’ll have to listen to find out what that is) can actually increase your productivity and enable you to get more done in le...