Josh Linkner distinguishes between two work modes in his book “Disciplined Dreaming: A Proven System to Drive Breakthrough Creativity” (2010); The distinction is not new, but in the current hybrid work environment, finding the right mix and the appropriate moment for a shift is challenging.
“heads down” in execution mode: focused on delivery, concentrated, avoiding distractions, individual processing of routine tasks, oriented towards meeting deadlines.
“heads up” in imagination mode: focused on possibilities, curious and questioning, open to influences, oriented towards new ideas and the future.
In remote work and hybrid work models, the “heads down” portion often currently predominates due to the urgency of daily routines, fatigue, and operational delivery pressure. Unfortunately, the possibilities of new, more flexible work environments are often reduced to dividing and setting fixed time units per week between remote and in-person work (e.g., 3 days working from home / 2 days in the office).
In a sustainably effective New Work environment, a third mode remains essential, which is often neglected:
“heads together” in collaboration mode: idea generation from random opportunities, spontaneity and creativity, experiencing belonging and corporate identity, living and developing a shared culture, learning with and from each other.
The system of three modes is simple – more effective in its diversity than the simple division of weekdays. However, skillful application is demanding – for both leadership and employees alike.
“Do the right thing in the right place” – this is the motto of Allianz Insurance for the new flexible work model, simply and clearly formulated.
Josh Linkner distinguishes between two work modes in his book “Disciplined Dreaming: A Proven System to Drive Breakthrough Creativity” (2010); The distinction is not new, but in the current hybrid work environment, finding the right mix and the appropriate moment for a shift is challenging.
“heads down” in execution mode: focused on delivery, concentrated, avoiding distractions, individual processing of routine tasks, oriented towards meeting deadlines.
“heads up” in imagination mode: focused on possibilities, curious and questioning, open to influences, oriented towards new ideas and the future.
In remote work and hybrid work models, the “heads down” portion often currently predominates due to the urgency of daily routines, fatigue, and operational delivery pressure. Unfortunately, the possibilities of new, more flexible work environments are often reduced to dividing and setting fixed time units per week between remote and in-person work (e.g., 3 days working from home / 2 days in the office).
In a sustainably effective New Work environment, a third mode remains essential, which is often neglected:
“heads together” in collaboration mode: idea generation from random opportunities, spontaneity and creativity, experiencing belonging and corporate identity, living and developing a shared culture, learning with and from each other.
The system of three modes is simple – more effective in its diversity than the simple division of weekdays. However, skillful application is demanding – for both leadership and employees alike.
“Do the right thing in the right place” – this is the motto of Allianz Insurance for the new flexible work model, simply and clearly formulated.