Episode 61 | From Strong Start to Finish: Keeping Momentum at Work

Episode Introduction

Niamh explores why a strong start doesn't always lead to a strong finish. This episode uncovers common reasons for losing momentum at the team and individual levels and provides practical tips to help you sustain your success.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 The Downfall After a Strong Start
00:36 What Causes Teams to Lose Momentum
05:50 Individual Factors Leading to Decline
12:33 Strategies for Sustaining Momentum

Episode Summary

Why do we lose momentum at work?

Niamh discusses how easily things can go wrong even after getting off to a great start, in our work and in our lives.  This is something that happens on both a team and an individual level.

At a Team Level

Sometimes, a high-performing team can start to slip when one or two people stop pulling their weight.  This can happen in larger teams where there isn't as much visibility, and some members may think, "everyone else has it covered", and ease up on their effort.

A lack of clarity around personal responsibilities can also cause this, as people may assume someone else is handling a task. A simple tool like a RACI template can help to clarify who is responsible for different pieces of work. 

Niamh also highlights the importance of psychological safety within a team, as a lack of it can prevent people from having difficult but necessary conversations and sharing new ideas.  If a team cannot adapt, what was once successful will stop working.


At an Individual Level

Burnout is one of the biggest causes of losing momentum after a strong start.  Sometimes, we push so hard at the beginning of a project that we get exhausted.  This can lead to people taking their foot off the pedal because they have to rest. 

A different cause is bringing the wrong energy to a task at different stages.  For example, a task may start with high-energy problem-solving but later require a more cautious, detail-oriented approach.  If you continue with the high-energy approach, you are more likely to make silly mistakes.

Finally, Niamh mentions getting bored as a reason for losing steam.  Once a project's initial challenge is gone, you may lose interest and stop putting in the same level of effort.

• High-performing teams can slip when members assume others have the work covered.
• A lack of clarity on individual responsibilities can cause a team to lose ground.
• The absence of psychological safety can prevent a team from adapting and having difficult conversations.
• Burning out after a strong start is a major cause of losing momentum.
• Bringing the wrong energy to a different phase of work can lead to mistakes.
• Losing motivation can happen when a task becomes boring after the initial challenge is over.

5 Key Takeaways from the Episode

• Check in with Your Team: Don't assume others have everything under control, especially in larger teams.  Be sure to check in with your teammates to ensure you're all moving forward together.
• Use a RACI Template: This simple tool can bring clarity to your team's responsibilities, ensuring that everyone knows who is responsible for what.
• Recognise Different Energy Needs: Be mindful of the type of focus a task requires.  Some work demands a high-energy, creative approach, while other phases need a more focused, diligent energy to avoid mistakes.
• Listen to Your Body: A strong start can lead to burnout.  Take breaks and get enough rest to sustain your effort over the long term and avoid getting exhausted.
• Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome: If you find yourself getting bored, try to focus on how you work and improving your methods.  This will keep you motivated even as the task's challenge lessens.

Resources and Related Episodes

Download the RACI Template

What Got You Here Won't Get You There - by Marshall Goldsmith

About the Host and Podcast

Welcome to The Better Workday Podcast with your host, Niamh Moynihan.  Niamh is the founder of Better Workday.  She will challenge you to think differently about how you manage your time, energy, attention and relationships at work to be successful while supporting your well-being.

In each episode, Niamh shares new insights and practical ideas to help you create a better workday.

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