The Power of Personalised Productivity: Leading and Working in Flow

One of the most exciting shifts in the future of work is the growing recognition that great work doesn’t happen only within traditional working hours. Inspiration (and as a result our most productive time periods) happen when we align our work with our personal chronotype, whether that means getting up at dawn for deep thinking or hitting peak creativity late at night.

Both Angela Scott and I are very early risers, structuring our work by allocating different time slots for deep work, strategic thinking, reading, meetings and workshops. Our schedules are asynchronous by design, allowing us to optimise our energy cycles and maximise focus. However, the same principle applies to those who thrive in the late hours. The key is working when you are at your best, not according to societal norms.

Optimising Productivity and Inspiration According to Chronotype

The science of chronotypes, our natural inclination toward morning or evening productivity, has been widely explored and discussed. Here are some books we’ve found insightful on the topic:

“The Power of When” – Dr. Michael Breus (2016)

• Identifies four chronotypes (Lion, Bear, Wolf, Dolphin) and how to align tasks with biological energy cycles.
• Helps professionals structure their day for maximum productivity and well-being.

“168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think” – Laura Vanderkam (2010)

• Demonstrates how high achievers allocate their time intentionally rather than feeling trapped by schedules.
• Encourages habit stacking and strategic delegation to optimize both professional and personal life.

“The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You” – Jessica N. Turner (2015)

• Highlights how professionals can identify hidden moments in their day to prioritise personal growth and fulfillment.
• Provides practical strategies for weaving meaningful work into busy schedules.

These books reinforce the idea that the best work happens when we align with our natural rhythms, rather than forcing productivity into rigid schedules.

Leading in a World of Different Chronotypes and Time Zones

In today’s remote and global work environment, leaders' flexibility is key, both for themselves and their teams. Success isn’t about when people work but how they work best. Here’s how you can create a structure that supports flow, trust and high performance:

Plan for Asynchronous Collaboration:

• Asynchronous work can end up being done poorly on autopilot. Encourage team members to optimise their schedules based on their peak productivity windows while maintaining clarity on deadlines, check-ins, and shared outcomes. Use live meetings to foster dialogue and align decisions and make the most out of autonomous progress.?

Trust in Process and Results, Not Monitoring:

• Focus on impact, not hours worked. Create a culture where team members have ownership of their time while remaining accountable for delivering high-quality work. ROTI is a great concept we have discussed before and highly applicable for time allocation impact and analysis.

Model Your Own Best Practices:

• As a leader, embrace your chronotype and share your approach to focus and flow. Leading by example empowers others to work in ways that optimise their energy and creativity.

The Future of Work: Productivity on Your Terms

The real power of productivity lies in understanding how you work best and creating an environment where your team can do the same. Whether you're an early riser, a night owl, or somewhere in between, success comes from designing work around energy, focus, and flow, not just time slots on a calendar.

How do you structure your work for your personal best?

#Leadership #Productivity #Chronotype #DeepWork #RemoteLeadership #FutureOfWork