Focus is faster than frenzy

The line at the ice cream shop was winding out the door yet the single employee that was working didn't seem to care.

Initially I was annoyed.

Didn't she see us?? Why weren't her facial expressions and speed of movement reflective of the inconvenience she was causing us by making us wait?? Why wasn't she rushing around and looking stressed like I would have been?

But in the 10 minutes that we waited (that felt more like 30), I noticed something.? This worker had an efficiency about her.? Each of her movements had a purpose.? She greeted each customer like they were the only one.?

Then I started noticing the customers around me.? What I observed was different from what I expected.? There was a general calm among the customers. This struck me.

And as I continue to reflect on it, it seems that her focused and friendly execution of tasks had given those around me a sense of stability.? We knew that she would get the job done and we'd get our ice cream, in a predictable time, served with a predictable smile.? And that was enough to create a positive, peaceful line.

Further reflection has me wondering why I would have approached the situation so differently.?? Why, in those situations, did I feel it was important to show my frenzy??

It's probably because I want to show people that I care and understand their inconvenience and want them to know that I'm "on top of it" and responsive to their needs.? The problem is that in my frenzy, I make mistakes, I pass on my stress to those around me, and I’m not actually as responsive to their needs as a more focused approach would allow.

This experience illuminated a truth that is applicable far beyond ice cream shops:? In the end, focus is faster than frenzy (especially performative frenzy).

Even a fast-paced environment, focus allows for slow, considered action that keeps processes moving efficiently.? In contrast, frenzy is fast movement that slows processes.

I’m coming to learn that focus, especially in our current times, requires both offensive and (sometimes even more so) defensive techniques.

For example, when I coach, to stay present with my client I have to defend against many “voices in my head”: my inner critic, my advice monster that is formulating my next question instead of listening to my client’s answer.? But with awareness of these distractions, I can employ simple defensive techniques that allow me remain present and curious.? That allows space for me to rely on my training and experience to use a process (i.e., the offensive technique) that works, with the end result being that the client’s possibilities expand as our time together opens new awareness and allows them to capitalize on their strengths to drive team outcomes.

These clients are operating in a business environment where productivity and speed reign.? But if they want to go fast, they’d be better off learning to truly focus.?

One of the main defensive techniques that they have to employ to focus is to resist the lure of performative frenzy.? The pressure (especially in our remote work environment) to show that they’re busy, either through their packed calendars or making sure their MS Teams status is always red.? The pressure to respond to notifications and messages instantly (which was documented in Atlassian's recent "State of Teams" report where one of the findings was that 65% of respondents felt it was more important to react to notifications than it was to progress important work.)

Finding the defensive techniques that work for them and pairing them with offensive techniques that turn focus into results not only helps them to move faster, but also creates a ripple of calm and effective and efficient execution around them.

I’m curious, what do you and your team members need to be able to focus?? What do you need to defend against?? What techniques and strategies have been effective for you and for your team?

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