The Science Behind Team Cognitive Load and Why It Matters for Engaged Teams @ Enterprise Technology Leadership Summit, Aug 2024

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© Copyright FlowOnRails SL 2024 Assess → Contextualize Results → Act → Assess Analyze Results & generate improve options Implement one or more options Assess Team Cognitive Load Context (events, on-going changes, …)

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Dr. Laura Weis Master’s in Psychology PhD in Organisational Psychology Global Talent Innovation Director at WPP Future of Work thought leader Former national boxing champion and currently an international referee and coach.

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"Why do I have to do it like this? “Requirements keep changing!” "Can I ask for help?" “Can I speak up about this issue?" “I feel misunderstood.” “We are talking past each other!” "Why can’t I think straight?” “It’s too noisy!” “This st*pid tool is not working!” "I feel paralyzed by all these tasks." “This work feels pointless” "I’m not appreciated here." "My brain is fried” "I feel like I'm walking on eggshells." "Why does everything take so long?" "THIS IS ALL TOO MUCH!"

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© Copyright FlowOnRails SL 2024 Theories Behind Team Cognitive Load Capacity Theory of Attention Attentional Control Theory Cognitive Load Theory Cognitive Overload Theory Information Theory Collective Working Memory & Group Cognition Mutual cognitive interdependence principle Group/Team Dynamics Theories Social Facilitation Theory Organisational Effectiveness Theories Leadership Theories

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© Copyright FlowOnRails SL 2024 Team Cognitive Load refers to the collective cognitive burden experienced by a group working together. Overload occurs when a group's combined cognitive demands exceed its processing capacity, impairing its effectiveness.

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© Copyright FlowOnRails SL 2024 Drivers of Team Cognitive Load Clusters Team Characteristics Task Characteristics Work Practices & Processes Work Environment & Tools Constructs & Drivers Composition ● Team Complexity ● Team Competence Roles ● Member Role Clarity ● Member Role Fit ● Member Role Load Culture ● Team Alignment ● Team Interaction ● Member Psychological Safety Problem Statement ● Problem Definition ● Solution Alignment Complexity ● Task ● Contextual Metrics ● Metrics Use of Information ● Use of Information Efficiency & Effectiveness ● Process ● Consistency ● Pace ● Performance Adaptability ● Resilience ● Iterative Working ● Continuous Learning Tools ● Suitability ● Performance Environment ● Environment Scientific model: https://www.teamperature.com/resources/scientific-model

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© Copyright FlowOnRails SL 2024 Emerging Research Directions & Opportunities 1. How do different groups experience Cognitive Load Drivers? 2. How do Cognitive Load Drivers affect Outcomes of Importance? 3. Cognitive Load as “Success Moderator”: Can Effective Management Foster Greater Inclusivity?

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© Copyright FlowOnRails SL 2024 Managing Team Cognitive Load is key to maximizing value by enabling all employees to perform at their best. Scientiﬁc model: https://www.teamperature.com/resources/scientiﬁc-model

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© Copyright FlowOnRails SL 2024 Help We’re Looking For ● How to raise C-level awareness around the need to manage team cognitive load? ● Have you found effective ways to manage team cognitive load at scale? If not, what were the main obstacles? ● Please give us feedback on how teamperature.com can help you!