Navigating Competing Priorities Without Losing Momentum

Greater productivity isn’t about time.

Navigating Competing Priorities Without Losing Momentum

We’ve all felt it, the tension between getting our own work done and supporting someone else who needs help with theirs. And in those moments, it’s tempting to default to multitasking. But here’s the truth:

Multitasking isn’t productive, it’s just constant task-switching that leaves everyone a little behind.

Instead of trying to do it all at once, the smarter approach is to sequence your focus and set direction when collaborating.

Here’s how to manage both, without sacrificing either:

1. Give your A tasks a fighting chance.
Even 15–20 minutes of uninterrupted time can move something forward. Protect short blocks of focus before saying yes to other asks. Momentum doesn’t require hours, just intention.

2. Shift support from reactive to strategic.
When someone comes to you for help, encourage clarity. Ask them to come with a goal in mind, and have a sense of:

• What they’re trying to accomplish

• Where they’re stuck

• How your insight or skill set will help move it forward

This avoids long, vague working sessions where no one leaves with progress.

3. Use this simple line to protect time, yours and theirs:

“Happy to help—what part do you think my input will move along the fastest?”

This question turns urgency into direction. It places both people in a productive headspace without making anyone feel like a burden.

The bottom line:

You don’t need to do it all to be helpful. By protecting your capacity and encouraging clarity in collaboration, you’ll be able to contribute where it matters, without falling behind on your own priorities.

My book, Capacity: The New Advantage, dives deeper into strategies like these—so you can lead, support others, and still protect your bandwidth.
If you're ready to work smarter without compromising, this is your next step.

👉 Grab your copy here