Most organizations believe that juggling multiple projects at once is the key to maximum output. However, this ‘parallel project’ approach often leads to decreased productivity, longer overall timelines, and unnecessary stress. What if the way to boost efficiency is actually to do less at the same time?
The Cost of Context Switching
When people (especially team members) work on multiple projects side-by-side, there’s an invisible cost: context switching. Each time someone shifts focus between tasks, they lose time and mental energy reorienting to the new project’s details. This isn’t just a feeling – research suggests that context switching can rob us of up to 20% of our productive time!
Serial vs. Parallel: A Race to the Finish
Imagine a team taking on three projects.
- Parallel: They work on all three at once, estimating a six-week completion due to context switching delays.
- Serial: They tackle one project at a time, fully completing each before moving on. They finish all three projects in just four weeks!
While the parallel approach might feel faster at first, it’s ultimately less efficient.
The Adaptability Advantage
True agility means being able to react quickly to changing priorities. Here’s where the serial approach truly shines. Let’s say a high-urgency project pops up when you’re one-third of the way through your first project.
- Serial: You neatly pause your current project, switch gears and address the urgent priority.
- Parallel: You’re forced to disrupt work on all three projects to accommodate the new one, creating a much messier transition.
Focus as a Superpower
I get it – 100% focus on a single project can be difficult. But teams should strive for it nonetheless. It’s counterintuitive, but working on fewer things in a focused manner directly boosts both team efficiency and overall organizational results.
Spreading the Word
The message that less is more is a tough sell for many organizations. As agility experts, we need to relentlessly communicate this truth. Help leaders understand that by cutting back on projects, they’ll actually see productivity and team happiness skyrocket.
