Team Cognitive Health playbook/Module 5 · Pace & sustainability

Day 44 / 100 · Pace & sustainability · WIP and overload

Stop starting. Start finishing.

Too much work in progress slows delivery (Little's Law) and loads every head with open loops. Here's the cognitive-load view. Flow metrics live in the Agile & Delivery pillar.

Slower

More WIP, Longer Waits

Cycle time = WIP ÷ throughput

  • Everything takes longer
  • Feedback arrives late

Switchier

More WIP, More Juggling

Every item competes for focus

  • Constant context switching
  • See Day 31

Heavier

More WIP, More To Hold

Every open item is a thing to remember

  • A mental tax, even when idle
  • Anxiety about what's stuck

Source: Project Production Institute ↗

Stop starting. Start finishing.