The 2011 Idea Execution Audit

Then we crunched all of the data and transformed it into a gorgeous, poster-size infographic sponsored by BlackBerry, which we premiered at our annual 99U Conference just a few weeks ago.So what does idea execution look like? Below we share our thoughts on some of the more unexpected and intriguing survey results.

Respondents said that over 60% of their communication took place over email or instant message, outpacing face-to-face conversations (22%) by almost 3 to 1. At the same time, email was ALSO listed as the number one distraction from getting work done, with Facebook as a distant runner-up.Therein lies the crux of the email problem. It’s become THE go-to communication tool, but it’s also a huge productivity drain — which is why having an email management strategy has become so crucial.

We also confirmed our suspicions that: a) the co-working movement is seriously gaining steam within the creative professional community, and b) the creative workforce, in general, is becoming more mobile and fragmented. According to our poll, the home office (38%) is now almost as popular as the company office (49%) among creatives.While this flexibility and freedom is — of course — awesome, it’s also a great argument for honing our organizational skills. As the typical big company bureaucracy breaks down, independent workers will have more and more administrative-type details to manage — on top of being creative geniuses!

As we discussed in a recent article on Brian Eno’s creative process, it’s not uncommon for great ideas to strike when we’re taking a break. The 2011 Idea Execution Audit results confirmed that stepping away from our desks — both to recharge and let our minds wander — is as valuable as slogging away at the computer.While we’re not suggesting you switch your work regime to all naps and strolls and daydreaming, it’s worth noting that energy renewal is as closely related to making ideas happen as “keeping busy.”

To check out the full results of our annual survey, get the full Idea Execution Audit infographic below.

–> Download the 99U Idea Execution Audit infographic