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Switch List

The human brain simply does not know how to multi-task, it can only do one job at a time and switch in between. Context switching is however not simple and takes energy and time. Still, many people struggle with understanding the benefits of limiting how much work you have in progress at the same time.  This is a very simple activity to use when introducing concepts such as sequencing work, limit work in progress (WIP) or even just allowing focus.  The group will write down lists as quickly as possible, in two different ways. First time with constant context switching and the second time allowing more focus.
Any
5-10 min

Medium

Steps

  1. Everyone grabs a piece of paper and draws 3 vertical lines (or use the template).
  2. Give the group the instructions:
    • In the first column list letters from J to A, second column numbers from 10 to 1, and third column roman numbers from I to X.
    • Complete all 3 columns as quickly as possible, one row at a time (ie writing J, then 10, and then I)
    • Yell out when they are done.
  3. Get your timing device ready and start the first round.
  4. Let them know how much time has passed when someone says Done, until everyone has completed their lists.
  5. Ask them to grab another piece of paper and repeat steps 1 and 2. But this time completing one column at a time (ie fill out all letters before writing down the numbers).
  6. Get your timing device ready and start the second round.
  7. Let them reflect on the time differences between the two rounds

Debrief

You might run the activity first, before leading the discussion into the topic of multitasking and context switching. A few debrief questions you can ask:

  • How did it feel in the first round compared to the second in terms of ease and flow?
  • What was your time difference between the two rounds? Were you surprised by the result?
  • Where in your day-to-day job, or somewhere else in the organisation, can you see areas with lots of context switch?
  • What are things that you and your organisation could do avoid context switching cost?

Bonus tip

To get around people thinking it is only faster because they have done it once before, use two slightly different values in the columns. You can use the templates provided. 

Don’t have enough paper and pens to go around? Ask for1 or 2 volunteers and let them use a whiteboard or flip chart instead.

If it is a very large group, rather than you yelling out the time for everyone, you can note the quickest time or gauge when the majority has completed.

What you need

  • Paper
  • Pens
  • Timing device

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