Thread by @fortelabs

1/ Presenting the Bandwidth Theory of Human Productivity

It starts with two axes, which describe what you’re optimizing for in your work: human or machine interaction?

Second axis requires a bit more explaining: do you optimize for low latency or high bandwidth?

2/ Latency refers to the time it takes a single bit to be transmitted, say, over an internet connection.

LOW latency means you are responsive, and can complete any single small task quickly. Think of a “low latency” videogame or webpage, which doesn’t have lag/delays

3/ Bandwidth refers to the total volume of information that can be sent through a connection at a time. So a truck full of hard disks has high bandwidth, but low latency.

HIGH bandwidth means you can complete a LOT of tasks, and they can be big and challenging, but not quickly

4/ Each quadrant describes a style of working.

Optimizing for human interaction + low latency = manager mode

It makes sense to interrupt what you’re doing to complete a small task that will unblock someone you manage

5/ Optimizing for machine (or tool) interaction + high bandwidth = maker mode

It makes sense to block distractions & complete as much in each sitting as possible. This is where Deep Work shines

6/ So far this is @paulg’s Maker/Manager idea, but now we expand to two more quadrants

Optimizing for human interaction + high bandwidth = coach mode

Makes sense to have occasional, high intensity sessions w/ ppl, preferably in person, but not so often you become a babysitter

7/ And lastly, optimizing for machine (or tool) interaction + low latency = hacker mode

It makes sense to try different things, follow hunches, jerry rig temporary solutions, & exploit unorthodox methods

Fixing parents’ IT problems is classic hacker mode

8/ Everyone has a home quadrant, which shapes the way they think, how they act, what they think is important, and which productivity methods work best

My home quadrant, for ex, is in maker mode. I don’t feel like I’ve done anything if I don’t create smthg

9/ Bottom quadrants focus on How, because solving problems is inherently satisfying. Top quadrants focus on Why, because that is what ppl need

For me it is always obvious What I should be doing, and the Why is either obvious or irrelevant. So all my attention is focused on How

10/ I’ve learned to make forays into other quadrants.

Coach mode when I’m teaching, presenting, coaching, consulting

Hacker mode when I’m fixing or setting up tech infrastructure for my online products

But they are draining and not usually as satisfying as making

11/ Working in other quadrants is challenging, but increasingly important.

Helps you learn new things in new ways, empathize/communicate with others, reveal blind spots, and solve new kinds of problems (or for you human lovers, meet new kinds of ppl)

12/ I think the diagonal quadrant to your home base is the most challenging and unnatural. Requires a two-fold shift in orientation

Manager mode is kind of baffling to me. I’m like “Can’t you just make stuff and figure it out?”

13/ Interestingly, most advice is written for Managers (how to manage, communicate, and lead people) and Makers (how to be more creative/disciplined/focused)

Much less written for Coaches & Hackers, I think because these modes have to be learned on the job

14/ Which is your home quadrant?