--- title: The 3 areas of executive function description: 'Learn about working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. See how these executive functions help with planning and getting things done. ' slug: types-of-executive-function-skills author: Gail Belsky reviewer: Philip D. Zelazo, PhD published: '2019-10-23T16:37:46.508Z' date_modified: '2026-03-12T00:00:00.000Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/5khqAnEG4XaEGpATW4UkSk/cecd6f9d991ae5f77ac9964acf72885e/G1306526783.png source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/types-of-executive-function-skills lang: en --- # The 3 areas of executive function [Executive function](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-executive-function) is an important group of mental skills. These skills help us pay attention, get organized, and plan. People use executive function skills all the time to get things done. ## What’s included in executive function Not all experts view executive function in the same way. Many view it as a broad group of skills that include: - [Paying attention](https://www.understood.org/en/topics/undefined) - [Organizing](https://www.understood.org/en/topics/undefined) and planning - [Starting tasks](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/why-kids-with-executive-function-challenges-have-trouble-starting-tasks) and staying focused on them - [Managing emotions](https://www.understood.org/en/topics/undefined) - [Keeping track of what you’re doing](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/4-ways-kids-use-self-monitoring-to-learn) According to many experts, the executive function skills listed above fit into three main areas. ## Working memory **What it is: **[Working memory](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/working-memory-what-it-is-and-how-it-works) is the ability to keep information in mind and then use it in some way. **Example:*** *An employee might use this skill to hold on to information needed to work on a bigger project, like a presentation or a report. ## Cognitive flexibility **What it is:*** *The ability to think about something in more than one way, often called [flexible thinking](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/flexible-thinking-what-you-need-to-know). **Example:*** *A student might use this skill to answer a math problem in two ways or to find relationships between different concepts. ## Inhibitory control **What it is:*** *The ability to ignore distractions and resist temptation. (Inhibitory control includes [self-control](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/self-control-what-it-means-for-kids).) **Example:*** *A child might use this skill to keep from blurting out an answer in class or to stay seated until dinner is done. Inhibitory control also keeps people from [acting impulsively](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-impulsivity). ## Skills related to executive function Here are some other skills that might be hard for people who struggle with executive function. **Reflection: **Reflection is a process that allows people to stop and think before they respond or react. This skill is key for solving problems. The more they practice it, the better adults and kids get at reflection. **Processing speed: **People need to go through a reflection process quickly in order to solve problems on time. That’s where [processing speed](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/processing-speed-what-you-need-to-know) comes in. Some experts view this skill as the engine that drives how well people use executive function skills to solve problems and achieve goals. ## Podcast: How to build executive function skills Learn more about executive function skills in this 21-minute [episode of Understood’s *In It* podcast](https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/undefined/undefined). The expert guest, Brendan Mahan, is an executive function coach and host of the *ADHD Essentials *podcast. Listen as he explains what executive function is and offers practical tips on how to help kids build these skills. ### More resources - Learn how [emotions can impact executive function](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/executive-functions-they-can-be-hot-or-cool). - Explore a [day in the life of a child with executive function challenges](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-child-with-executive-functioning-issues). - Find out how kids [use executive functions to learn](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-kids-use-executive-functions-to-learn). --- ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/types-of-executive-function-skills#webpage","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/types-of-executive-function-skills","description":"Learn about working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. See how these executive functions help with planning and getting things done. 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