How to manage for high performance

A manager with an eye for high performance should be constantly asking: "At what cost?"

Whether it's an all-hands meeting or a new communication platform, a leader should always consider the opportunity cost.

If productivity's a new priority for your team, start by focussing on two questions:

1. How can I reduce the number of times my team member's switch task?

2. How can I protect their best working hours?

WHY?

- Task switching leads to 'attention residue' (part of your attention remains on the original task), which causes poor performance on the second task.

- Most people work best at certain times of the day. Our circadian rhythm means our peak alertness is within an hour or so of noon and 6pm.

- We're only capable of 1-4 hours of deep work per day.

- It takes 23 minutes to get back into deep work after a distraction.

SUGGESTIONS TO GET STARTED

- Empower employees to focus on one task at a time eg. let them go offline for an hour or two to concentrate on important tasks.

- Don't schedule meetings during times of peak alertness.

Get in touch to find out how Building 20 (www.building20.co) helps leaders and their teams to create more.