When it’s time to communicate with a client, is your first thought to pick up the phone or draft an email? Do you prefer brainstorming sessions or “brainwriting” sessions? How do you keep track of your to-dos? The answer to these questions may depend on whether you’re an introvert or extrovert.

Both types of employees can be outstanding and productive as long as they are planning and executing their day to fit their personality. In order to be the most productive you can be as an introvert or an extrovert, consider the following tips:

Email vs. Phone Calls

Introverts tend to prefer to communicate in writing via email or online discussion boards. It gives them time to craft their responses and thoughts. They will often put off making certain phones calls by reworking their to-do list.

Extroverts often like communicating via phone or in person. When sending emails to an extrovert, remember to keep them short and sweet or else they may start skimming.

Brainstorming Sessions

Introverts usually favor writing their ideas down during brainstorming sessions. Sometimes extroverts assume that because introverts aren’t the first to speak up, they aren’t as creative. That’s not the case! Provide introverts with an opportunity to think on their own and then submit their ideas.

Extroverts tend to thrive in a room with a whiteboard and at least one additional person to bounce ideas off of and help them stay on track. Unlike introverts who prefer to formulate their thoughts before speaking, extroverts usually formulate ideas as they’re talking.

Time & Task Management

Introverts, on the whole, prefer to track their appointments and tasks in their own personal system. They are frequently hesitant to share calendars with coworkers. If you are sharing a calendar or scheduling appointments for an introvert, try to give them breaks between meetings so they have time to reboot.

Extroverts often benefit from capturing to-dos in more non-traditional ways (other than just writing them down), such as with a visual-based to-do list app like Action Method. As an extrovert, consider asking a coworker to check in with you and hold you accountable for your daily to-do list.

Have any other tips for extroverts or introverts? Let us know in the comments below!

Having trouble finding a to-do list app that works for your busy schedule? There are so many to-do list apps on the market that it’s difficult to know which app is right for you and your particular set of needs. We’ve tested many of them and have come up with a list of pros and cons for six different to-do list apps:

ToodleDo

Pros: It is a very robust to-do list app and has a variety of customization options. It also allows you to assign time estimates for tasks, set alarms, collaborate with others and filter tasks by importance.

Cons: If you’re a visual person, it may not be the best fit and some of the features can cause confusion if you’re not familiar with them. It tends to be better for linear people.

Action Method

Pros: This app is very visual with simple fields and color-coding features. This app is the easiest transition for someone who uses sticky notes and wants to transfer to an electronic to-do list.

Cons: Does not have some of the advanced features that other apps possess, including reporting capabilities.

TeuxDeux

Pros: It is extremely basic and the easiest transition from a steno pad. It’s a good option for lighter, personal to-do lists such as grocery shopping, errands, etc. One important feature to note is that it automatically moves tasks that you don’t complete to the following day.

Cons: This app may be too basic for many professional environments and people.

Clear

Pros: Clear keeps you moving to the next task and is good for the fast-paced person that makes quick decisions. The interface allows you to pull, swipe, and drag your finger to create, arrange, and complete your tasks.

Cons: With such a simple interface that lets you swipe tasks out of the way for later, it is easy to move a task “out of sight” and “out of mind.”  Also, if you swipe the wrong direction, you could accidentally create, complete, or delete a task.

Wunderlist

Pros: This app is user friendly, a quick set up, and has a clean interface. It is also easy to toggle between categorized lists and has a consistent look and feel on each device you use it on. When you upgrade to “Pro” you can also share tasks with other team members.

Cons: There is no place to enter time estimates for your tasks and it may be too basic for some users.

Remember the Milk

Pros: Syncs with familiar tools such as Outlook and Evernote. It also works on most devices so it’s easy to use on-the-go.

Cons: The online interface is slightly outdated.

Which to-do list app do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below!

Many busy professionals have already made the switch to electronic calendars, but others are sticking to their tried and true paper planners. So which type does our team at Innovatively Organized think is best? You’ll have to keep reading to find out!

Advantages of Electronic Calendars:

• Sync across devices: Easily access your calendar and to-do list on your computer, phone, and other electronic devices so you’ll never have to worry about forgetting it at home.
• Share with others: Share your calendar with coworkers, family, and friends so it’s easier to coordinate schedules.
• Set reminders: If you’re prone to forget appointments, setting reminders for an upcoming event can help you stay on track.
• Our favorite electronic calendars: Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar, Toodledo App (to-do list app) or Action Method App (for managing your to-do list)

Advantages of Paper Calendars:

• Good for tactile people: Some people respond better to physically turning pages in their calendar, writing reminders in a specific pen color, etc.
• Writing it down: For many people, the act of physically writing something down helps them remember it better. An article by Lifehack explains the science behind this idea.
• Making it your own style: You can customize your paper planner to fit your “style” whether that means color coding appointments with highlighters or using sticky notes.
• Our favorite paper calendars: Circa Notebooks, Moleskine, Action Journal 

What Innovatively Organized Recommends:

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences and individual learning styles (although, we’d love to hear your opinions in the comments at the bottom of the page).  While an electronic calendar might make the most sense for someone who is constantly on-the-go, a paper calendar makes a lot of sense for people who benefit from physically touching a pen to a piece of paper. No matter which system you choose - the key is consistency.

If you do decide to make the switch (either way), remember that it will take time to build new habits. Be patient. It will get better.

Which type of calendar do you prefer? Let us know in a comment below!

How many to-dos do you have floating around in your head right now? Half of the battle with task management is getting to-dos out of your head and capturing them somewhere.  To help you process your to-dos more efficiently we have identified 6 questions to ask yourself. It may take a little getting used to, but don’t give up! It gets easier over time.

6 questions to ask yourself when processing to-dos:

1. Can I do this in 2 minutes or less?  If the task is quick and easy, complete it right away to get it done. This is especially true of tasks that come through your email.
2. If I can’t do this task in 2 minutes, how long will it take me to complete it? Time estimates are one of the keys to good task management because it gives you a more realistic look at what you can accomplish in a day.
3. Where am I tracking the task to ensure it gets completed?  This will vary from person to person. While some people choose to track tasks on their calendar or in Microsoft Outlook, others enjoy the mobility of a to-do list app. If you don’t already have a to-do list app, we recommend either the Toodledo app (if you’re linear and analytical) or the Action Method app (if you prefer a visual layout).
4. Can I batch this task with any other tasks?  Put similar tasks together to help you save time. The possibilities for batching tasks are endless. It can be as simple as scheduling all of your networking meetings on the same day or only reading industry newsletters once a week.
5. What do I need to complete this?  Do you need to talk to someone else before you complete the task? Does it require a phone call?  Do you need your computer? Determine what else is required in order to complete the task. It’s never fun to sit down to complete a task only to realize you’re missing something.
6. Can I delegate this task to someone else?  If so, we recommend you delegate.

Interested in additional task management training? Join us for a hands-on training workshop on June 6th, 2013 called Check It Off! Innovative Task Management for Your Growing To-Do List.