277: State of Organizational Flow what really counts! with Wolfram Müller

PMO Strategies

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of Working In today’s fast-paced business environment, it’s easy to fall into the trap of multitasking—juggling numerous projects, tasks, and meetings while trying to keep everything on track. But the truth is, multitasking could be one of the biggest barriers to true productivity. The solution? Creating organizational flow that reduces multitasking and allows teams to work at their most productive pace. In this week's episode of the PMO Strategies Podcast, I sit down with Wolfram Müller, an expert in optimizing knowledge work, to discuss the findings of the State of Organizational Flow Report. This study reveals powerful insights on how organizations can reduce multitasking and improve productivity by fostering flow within teams. With participation from over 42 companies, the data offers a clear path forward for leaders aiming to boost efficiency. Why Multitasking is a Productivity Killer Multitasking often feels like an unavoidable reality in project management, especially in fast-moving organizations. However, research consistently shows that multitasking doesn’t make us more efficient—it actually slows us down. Each time we switch tasks, we lose focus, increase errors, and extend the amount of time needed to complete each activity. Wolfram highlights that the biggest challenge organizations face is managing flow—the smooth progression of tasks and work without unnecessary disruptions. Creating flow means aligning tasks, priorities, and communication in a way that eliminates bottlenecks and keeps teams moving forward without distractions. What is Organizational Flow? Flow, in a business context, refers to the state in which individuals or teams can work without constant interruption, achieving peak focus and productivity. When teams are in a state of flow, they are fully immersed in their work, and their output tends to be higher in both quality and efficiency. In contrast, multitasking and task-switching break this flow, causing delays, rework, and frustration. According to the State of Organizational Flow Report, the key to achieving this state lies in three core principles: Eliminating Bottlenecks: Identify where work is getting stuck, whether due to resource limitations, communication breakdowns, or inefficient processes. Reducing Multitasking: Encourage teams to focus on fewer priorities at a time, allowing them to concentrate and achieve greater results. Fostering Clear Communication: Ensure that goals, tasks, and timelines are clearly communicated, so everyone is aligned and knows what to expect. The Key to Reducing Multitasking and Increasing Flow So, how can leaders reduce multitasking and improve organizational flow? Wolfram emphasizes the importance of prioritization and limiting work in progress. By focusing on fewer initiatives at a time and completing them before moving on to the next, teams can achieve more consistent and higher-quality results. One of the most interesting findings from the report is that reducing multitasking benefits all types of organizations—whether they follow Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid project management methodologies. It’s not about the specific processes or tools you use, but rather about ensuring that your teams can focus and maintain flow throughout their work. How to Get Involved in the Organizational Flow Study If you're interested in seeing how flow could transform your organization, there's a way to take part in this important research. By joining the State of Organizational Flow Report, you can receive personalized insights and data to help you improve your team’s productivity and flow. It’s a free opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and contribute to a growing body of research that’s helping organizations around the world reduce multitasking and achieve breakthrough results. You’ll get access to actionable data that can directly im...