How to Help Your Team Focus On “Deep Work”
Many of us get bogged down in endless meetings or replying to countless emails that we neglect the most important chunk of real, solid work that requires our immediate and focused attention.
This substantial amount of fundamental work, known as “deep work,” is what we are truly paid to do after all, yet it often falls into the backlog.
Deep work is what creates value and a competitive advantage for companies. Moreover, it is a learned skill, not a habit. Continue reading to learn how you can help your team members produce high-value deep work.
Firstly…
To start, have team members track the time they spend on deep work versus shallower or less important tasks over a week. Once these behaviour patterns are documented, clarify your expectations. Explain that time blocking and solitude are essential for doing deep work effectively. Assist them in incorporating this practice into their schedules, ensuring it becomes a priority while still allowing for regular coworker interaction. Highlight that deep work offers the opportunity to excel daily.
Secondly…
Managers who understand their employees' talent profiles can leverage individual strengths to enhance deep work. Certain strength themes, like Focus or Discipline, naturally lend themselves to deep work. Even strengths that seem less relevant can be valuable, as they shape employees’ unique perspectives on the world.
By using language that aligns with these specific talents, managers can help employees see the connection between their unique strengths and the outcomes of deep work.