This insight is another classic fallacy. Jerry Weinberg wrote in his book “Quality Software Management: Systems Thinking” about the fact that the more parallel projects lead to less overall performance!
While it may seem intuitive to tackle several projects at once to maximize output, the reality is that spreading resources too thin can lead to a host of challenges. Quality may suffer as teams struggle to meet competing demands, communication breakdowns become more prevalent, and project timelines inevitably extend.
Moreover, the cognitive load of managing multiple projects can take a toll on team members, leading to burnout and decreased morale. Instead of fostering innovation and creativity, the constant switching of focus can disrupt workflow and impede progress.
To combat the multi-project myth, project managers should prioritize a more strategic approach. By focusing on fewer projects at a time, teams can allocate resources more effectively, maintain a higher level of quality, and foster stronger collaboration. This streamlined approach allows for better communication, clearer priorities, and ultimately, greater project success.
P.S: this anti-pattern is based on the same assumption as in Brook’s law.
Links:
https://blog.codinghorror.com/the-multi-tasking-myth
Albrecht Günther 