Have you ever noticed how a focused conversation feels different from one where you’re trying to juggle multiple topics? I see this same dynamic play out in our teams, and it’s something that deeply impacts their ability to create meaningful work.
The Multi-Tasking Myth
I remember working with a team that was spread across three different projects. They were talented, dedicated people, but something wasn’t clicking. Then I discovered Gerry Weinberg’s research on task switching, and it hit me like a thunderbolt – when we ask people to juggle five projects, they can lose up to 80% of their time just switching between contexts.
Think about that for a moment. It’s not just about dividing attention – it’s about losing the very essence of what makes teams powerful.
What Makes Teams Shine
Richard Hackman’s research touched my heart because it confirmed what I’d seen in practice – teams thrive when they have stability and a shared mission. His 60-30-10 rule shows us that 60% of a team’s success comes from how we set them up from the start.
When I work with teams, I see this truth play out again and again. Teams that focus on one mission build deeper connections. They develop a rhythm. They find their flow. It’s beautiful to watch.
The Power of Deep Focus
Let me share a story that still moves me. I worked with a team that had been scattered across multiple projects for months. They were exhausted, disconnected, struggling to make progress. When their organization finally dedicated them to a single project, the transformation was profound:
- They started finishing each other’s sentences
- Solutions emerged from their deep understanding of the work
- Innovation flowed from their shared context
- They found joy in their work again
Finding Our Way Forward
Here’s what troubles me – I still see organizations spreading their teams thin, thinking it will lead to higher productivity. But I’ve witnessed the cost: burned-out team members, missed opportunities for innovation, and the slow erosion of team spirit.
The path to high performance isn’t through multi-tasking. It’s through creating spaces where teams can:
- Build deep relationships
- Develop shared understanding
- Find their rhythm together
- Create something meaningful
A Call to Action
If you’re leading teams, I invite you to reflect: Are we giving our teams the space they need to truly excel? Are we unwittingly asking them to juggle too much?
Remember, this isn’t just about productivity – it’s about creating environments where people can do their best work together. Where they can grow, innovate, and find fulfillment in what they create.
What could your teams achieve if you gave them the gift of focus?
