#40: The Power of Focus: Why Your Team’s Biggest Weakness is Trying to Do Too Much

Read time: 5 minutes

Welcome to the 40th issue of the Punchline Memo, specifically tailored for leaders in construction and the built environment!

As a leader in construction or the built environment, you're no stranger to juggling priorities. But when your team is spread thin, jumping from one task to another, the result isn’t productivity - it’s chaos. This week’s memo explores why narrowing your team’s focus on fewer, high-impact initiatives is the key to unlocking better results.

Why “More” Isn’t Better

In the fast-paced world of construction and development, the instinct to tackle everything at once can feel natural. There’s always one more project, one more client, or one more task demanding attention. But here’s the truth: when you say “yes” to too much, you dilute your team’s energy and effectiveness.

The Problem with Doing Too Much:

• Diluted Effort: Quality suffers when focus is spread across too many initiatives.

• Burnout Risk: A perpetually overwhelmed team leads to higher turnover and mistakes.

• Missed Impact: Instead of excelling in key areas, your team ends up mediocrity across the board.

Remember: Success comes from doing fewer things, but doing them exceptionally well.

The Case for Fewer, High-Impact Goals

Focus isn’t about saying “no” to everything. It’s about saying “yes” to the right things. Prioritizing high-impact initiatives has tangible benefits:

• Improved Quality: A focused team delivers better results on key projects.

• Faster Execution: Reduced distractions mean faster progress where it matters most.

• Team Alignment: Everyone knows what success looks like and works toward it together.

For example, rather than trying to launch three projects simultaneously, committing to finishing one large-scale initiative creates momentum, builds morale, and delivers measurable outcomes.

How to Choose Your Focus

To determine which initiatives deserve your attention, ask three key questions:

1. What drives the most value for the business?
   Focus on what moves the needle, whether it’s a marquee project, key client, or operational improvement.

2. What aligns with our long-term vision?
   Short-term wins are great, but they should also build toward your strategic goals.

3. Where are we seeing diminishing returns?
   Identify and eliminate tasks or projects that soak up time without delivering meaningful results.

Practical Steps to Narrow Your Focus

1. Set Clear Priorities: Pick 1–3 key objectives per quarter and ensure your entire team understands and aligns with these goals.

2. Create a “Not Now” List: Document lower-priority tasks to revisit later, so your team isn’t tempted to juggle them prematurely.

3. Measure Progress Ruthlessly: Regularly review your progress on top priorities and make adjustments as needed.

4. Protect Time for Deep Work: Reduce meetings and interruptions to allow your team to fully engage with their most critical tasks.

Real-World Example: Focus in Action

A mid-sized construction firm struggling with inefficiencies revamped their strategy by narrowing their focus to three core objectives: optimising subcontractor relationships, reducing material waste, and streamlining project timelines. Within six months, the firm reported a 15% increase in project profitability and a noticeable boost in employee satisfaction.

Your Challenge This Week

1. Take stock of your team’s current workload.

2. Identify at least one low-impact initiative you can postpone or eliminate.

3. Communicate the new priorities clearly and provide the resources your team needs to succeed.

Remember: Focus is a multiplier of productivity. Doing less allows you to achieve more, and it starts with you, the leader, setting the example.

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Stay tuned for more insights, updates, and a dash of humour in our upcoming issues. Until then, keep noticing, keep learning, and keep building!