How to Figure Out Your Work Style

Understanding your work style is key to maximizing your productivity and improving collaboration with your colleagues. There are generally considered to be four main types of work styles:  

  1. Logical, and driven by data and problem-solving 
  1. Detail-oriented, and tend to operate based on organized plans 
  1. Supportive, and and prioritize relationship-building and harmony 
  1. Idea-oriented and more strategic and big picture focused

Learn more about how to figure out your work style:  

Your Communication Methods  

The manner in which you communicate, both in terms of channels and tone, is a major component of your work style. Consider how you prefer to communicate, such as in-person versus email, as well as the way you convey information. For example, if you prefer to utilize email and stick to discussing key information only, you are likely to be more of a logical or detail-oriented worker, whereas preferring more extensive face-to-face brainstorming discussions is often associated with being more of an idea-oriented or supportive work style.  

How You Schedule Your Day 

Taking a look at how you establish your priorities for each workday can give major insight into your work style. Think about the way you approach your To Do list – if you even have one! For example, are you the type to schedule your day into structured blocks with assigned tasks or do you tend to be more flexible and go with the flow? For example, If you are more meticulous about planning your day, it’s likely you have a more detail-oriented approach to work, while preferring unscheduled blocks may indicate a more visionary, big picture style.  

Your Approach to Collaboration 

No matter the job role, it is  likely that some form of collaboration will be occasionally required. How you discuss your ideas and work with others to divide, assign, and accomplish tasks plays a part in your work style. Do you prefer to mainly work autonomously after receiving input and then meeting back up only when necessary? If so, you may be more task-oriented and analytical, compared to enjoying talking through the work in a group setting, which may be a more supportive and emotionally-oriented style.  

Staying Motivated  

If you are not certain of your work style, the factors that help you maintain your passion and engagement for your work are a surefire way to narrow it down. Reflect on what keeps you motivated. Do you enjoy diving deep into data to figure out a solution? You likely have a logical work style. If creating a structured, step-by-step plan and schedule calms you down and makes you able to focus, you may have a detail-oriented style. Getting energized by team building activities is a sign of a supportive work style, while getting excited by brainstorming for long term, big picture goals is indicative of an idea-oriented style.  

Explore New Opportunities 

Does your current job not align with your work style? Turn to IFG as a resource for your job search! Our team of recruiting experts works with job seekers to match them with the opportunities from our clients that would fit their qualifications and personal preferences. Contact us today to meet with an IFG Business Partner today.