Have you ever wondered why your to-do list never seems to get shorter, no matter how hard you work? For managers, the culprit is often context switching—constantly jumping between tasks without fully completing any of them. Not only does this waste time, but it also drains your mental energy and impacts how your team perceives you as a leader.
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Why context switching is such a problem
Context switching isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s scientifically proven to be a time killer. Studies show that each time you switch between tasks, it takes an average of 23 minutes to refocus.
For managers with packed calendars, this becomes a vicious cycle:
- Meetings back-to-back without breaks
- Endless task interruptions from team members
- Trying to juggle strategy, team development, and personal tasks
This lack of focus leaves you feeling scattered, burned out, and unproductive.
How it affects your team
When managers are spread thin, it doesn’t just hurt their productivity—it impacts the team, too. If you’re distracted in one-on-one meetings or rushing through feedback, your team may feel undervalued or unsupported. Over time, this can lead to disengagement or missed opportunities for growth.
3 simple ways to reduce context switching
- Group similar tasks together
Try scheduling all your one-on-one meetings on the same day. This allows you to stay in the same mindset and reduces the cognitive load of constantly shifting focus. - Plan your week in advance
Block off time for focused work and identify days for specific types of tasks. For example, reserve Mondays for team meetings and Fridays for strategic planning. - Use calendar color coding
Organize your calendar by meeting type—use red for urgent tasks, blue for personal development, and gray for breaks. This gives you a quick snapshot of what’s ahead and helps you mentally prepare.
Take control of your time
Managing your schedule isn’t just about getting more done—it’s about creating space to focus on what really matters. By reducing context switching, you’ll not only feel more productive but also show up better for your team.
📚 Want more actionable tips? The New Manager Playbook launches January 27th. Join the list for exclusive updates and start managing with ease.
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Got questions or want to dive deeper into this topic? Email me at hello@liagarvin.com.
