Achieving greater outcomes through reduced effort or lessening of force
In the January 2022 issue of HBR, Harsha V. Misra explores a novel approach to maximizing performance while minimizing the risk of burnout and injury. This approach, known as the polarized intensity approach, has proven successful in endurance running and can be metaphorically applied to managerial work.
In endurance running, a polarized training method involves allocating about 80% of training time to low-intensity activities and approximately 20% to high-intensity efforts. This method, backed by research, leads to significant improvements in key performance metrics. For instance, polarized training can increase VO2 max by about 11.7%, a critical measure of aerobic fitness, and lower the risk of overuse injuries.
In managerial work, a polarized intensity approach can be metaphorically applied by balancing workload and intensity levels. By allocating the majority (about 80%) of work time to core, low-intensity tasks that maintain operational stability and efficiency, and dedicating a smaller portion (about 20%) of work time to high-intensity, high-impact projects that drive innovation and growth, managers can reduce the risk of burnout and maximize productivity.
Key principles underpinning this approach include balance, recovery, and focus. Maintaining a balance between low and high-intensity activities prevents overexertion and optimizes output. Ensuring adequate recovery time during low-intensity phases allows for physical and mental rejuvenation. Prioritizing tasks effectively to maximize the impact of high-intensity efforts is crucial.
This approach has potential benefits in various fields, including sales, mergers and acquisitions, and research. In sales, experienced salespeople build relationships with customers over a long period and move rapidly when a big opportunity arises. In mergers and acquisitions negotiations, teams spend time monitoring, learning, and tracking the targeted company before moving quickly and intensely when the right opportunity emerges. In certain research efforts, teams spend a lot of time experimenting, learning, and fine-tuning before shifting into high gear to deliver the desired result.
In conclusion, the polarized intensity approach, which involves short bursts of high-intensity work amidst low-intensity work, can produce better results in endurance running and various business environments. By adopting this approach, professionals can strive for sustained performance improvements while minimizing the risk of injury or burnout.
In the realm of business, managers can apply the polarized intensity approach to their careers, dedicating most of their time (80%) to routine, low-intensity tasks that maintain business stability and efficiency, while allocating a smaller portion (20%) of time to high-intensity projects that foster innovation and growth. This method, backed by research, can potentially aid in maximizing productivity and minimize burnout risks.
By balancing workload and intensity levels in this manner, professionals in various fields like finance, leadership, and beyond can integrate recovery time during low-intensity phases, enhancing both their physical and mental well-being, while prioritizing tasks effectively to deliver high-impact results.
