Repetition helps to create mastery but can also lead to boredom. Leaders and team members who are repetitively tasked with the same assignments, travel, and engagements often lose energy and enthusiasm for the work over time.
I read somewhere that novel experiences slow down the perception of passing time. This is why most of us perceive our childhood and educational experience as lasting much longer (the first 18-22 years) than the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th, etc. Because back then, everything was new. I love your idea of disrupting highly repetitive work by including other people. My team and I sort of do this now. We call them working sessions. But we only do them when on of us are stuck and need help/support. Why not do this with repetitive work? Two benefits immediately come to mind: 1) Because the task is repetitive, it's like going on a fast walk/slow jog with a friend - you're getting a good workout, but you can still talk to each other; and 2) Whenever I watch others at work, I always learn something new and usually the other person does too - or at least re-sees something they now take for granted. My team and I have been thinking of ways to bring us closer together, I think this might be the ticket. Thanks for today's post.
Re: clear going into it - it usually comes up in a status meeting. Someone will say they're struggling with something and we'll set up a working session to dig into it together or with a smaller team. I frequently get feedback from others saying they really like these interactions.
Good post. CURIOSITY is a main thing that ignites me. Actually it was just yesterday I had a conversation with our warehouse manager. He was doing a check in. I had used an inappropriate adjective to describe frustration with miscommunication on our team. The manager who reported me was concerned with my well-being and brought this to his attention.
I am someone primarily focused on execution and communication.
Either way, he felt it was the tip of an iceberg. He challenged me to do two things:
-Ask myself where does this come from?
-Once I know, apply that energy to making a difference.
What got a hold of me was the curiosity portion. It showed me he was concerned/cared. He also gave me simple and applicable feedback. In a world of having to learn high priced lingo (university), sometimes it is nice to have someone just be blunt and keep it simple.
I know this post is longer than my standard posts.
So out of respect I listen and commit, what's said, to memory. What got me to begin implementing it was vulnerability and transparency. The curiosity was the cherry on top:).
From personal experience, doing the same thing over and over I mastered the task. Therefore, it took less time to complete them. When I asked to do more or something different, I found those that only wanted me to do these tasks and only those tasks. I tried to fill the void in time by browsing the internet while doing the work.
Some people don't understand when someone masters a tasks, it doesn't take them long to complete it anymore.
I read somewhere that novel experiences slow down the perception of passing time. This is why most of us perceive our childhood and educational experience as lasting much longer (the first 18-22 years) than the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th, etc. Because back then, everything was new. I love your idea of disrupting highly repetitive work by including other people. My team and I sort of do this now. We call them working sessions. But we only do them when on of us are stuck and need help/support. Why not do this with repetitive work? Two benefits immediately come to mind: 1) Because the task is repetitive, it's like going on a fast walk/slow jog with a friend - you're getting a good workout, but you can still talk to each other; and 2) Whenever I watch others at work, I always learn something new and usually the other person does too - or at least re-sees something they now take for granted. My team and I have been thinking of ways to bring us closer together, I think this might be the ticket. Thanks for today's post.
When you do your working sessions, is it clear going into it that one person is asking for help?
Love your opening thought too, David.
That makes a ton of sense with the perception of time.
The trip out to vacation was always a longer drive than the trip home too.
Re: clear going into it - it usually comes up in a status meeting. Someone will say they're struggling with something and we'll set up a working session to dig into it together or with a smaller team. I frequently get feedback from others saying they really like these interactions.
Good post. CURIOSITY is a main thing that ignites me. Actually it was just yesterday I had a conversation with our warehouse manager. He was doing a check in. I had used an inappropriate adjective to describe frustration with miscommunication on our team. The manager who reported me was concerned with my well-being and brought this to his attention.
I am someone primarily focused on execution and communication.
Either way, he felt it was the tip of an iceberg. He challenged me to do two things:
-Ask myself where does this come from?
-Once I know, apply that energy to making a difference.
What got a hold of me was the curiosity portion. It showed me he was concerned/cared. He also gave me simple and applicable feedback. In a world of having to learn high priced lingo (university), sometimes it is nice to have someone just be blunt and keep it simple.
I know this post is longer than my standard posts.
I appreciate you taking the time to read this.
Great input, Joe.
Talking as if something is out of character for the person being corrected is a good approach for several reasons.
You might enjoy this from the archives: https://admiredleadership.substack.com/p/you-are-acting-out-of-character
Nice to read the story, Joe.
That initial curiosity lowered your defenses? ...even though you knew it was setting up a corrective reprimand?
Yes and no.
So out of respect I listen and commit, what's said, to memory. What got me to begin implementing it was vulnerability and transparency. The curiosity was the cherry on top:).
Great read and understand what this is saying.
From personal experience, doing the same thing over and over I mastered the task. Therefore, it took less time to complete them. When I asked to do more or something different, I found those that only wanted me to do these tasks and only those tasks. I tried to fill the void in time by browsing the internet while doing the work.
Some people don't understand when someone masters a tasks, it doesn't take them long to complete it anymore.
...and over time you end up planning out a side gig?
... I’m laughing but yes.
Good point, I will also add, that a lot of the time they are busy with their own roles. Another reason may be they don't want you to outshine them.
Sometimes our job/s are simply wash, rinse, fold, and repeat.
Thanks for your time.