New Pomodoro Technique Discovered Improves Task Engagement
Introduction
The Pomodoro Technique, conceptualized by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, has evolved into a popular time management methodology embraced by individuals seeking enhanced productivity. This technique revolves around breaking work into smaller tasks, traditionally 25 minutes in duration, known as “Pomodoros,” separated by short breaks. Initially designed for individual use, its application in business settings is increasingly recognized as professionals strive to optimize their work efficiency. While the Pomodoro Technique can significantly increase your productivity, it doesn’t guarantee you a level of engagement and satisfaction when completing those tasks.
Utilizing the Pomodoro Technique in Business
Implementing the Pomodoro Technique in a business context involves a systematic approach tailored to the demands of any dynamic and often collaborative environment. Business professionals can start by selecting a task requiring focused attention and committing to a 25-minute Pomodoro. Following this focused work interval, a short break of 5 minutes allows for relaxation and mental rejuvenation. After completing 4 Pomodoros, a more extended break of 15–30 minutes is recommended.
The Missing Pomodoro Element for Motivation and Engagement
In his book Breakthrough Performance, William Daniels, from American Training and Consulting, identifies 3 categories of tasks for the activities which we do each day. The task types are; 1) Routine — high predictability and low delay tolerance (immediacy), 2) Troubleshooting — low predictability and low delay tolerance, and 3) Project — high predictability and high delay tolerance.
From my quantitative Doctoral research I found that each of us has the need for 1 of the 496 discrete mixtures of these 3 tasks, what I defined as the Task Quotient (TQ). It is this mixture that identifies our ideal work environment. For example, my ideal daily task balance is 17% routine work, 32% trouble-shooting work and 51% project work. Want to know your ideal TQ? Complete this 3-minute assessment: https://magnaleader.co/GIFT. Paying attention to creating your ideal balance of tasks is the critical piece of the puzzle as you go from 1 Pomodoro to another after each of your 5-minute breaks.
Applying the Task Quotient (TQ)Principle
Research has shown that alternating from 1 task type to the next in your Pomodoro sequence will create that greatest sense of motivation, engagement, satisfaction and empowerment. In addition to matching your ideal % balance of task types, you also have a cadence (time allotment) of work that differs for each of us.
For example, my routine task time tolerance is about 25-minutes, which is perfect for 1 Pomodoro. As for troubleshooting and project tasks, my tolerance ranges from 45 to 90-minutes. In those cases, I recommend not to break your FLOW by taking a break at 25-minutes, but to allow the length of time you are engaged in the task to dictate the length of the Pomodoro. Once you begin losing focus, or you find yourself getting distracted, don’t fight it, take the recommended 5-minute break.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The Pomodoro Technique provides several benefits for business professionals. First, it enhances concentration by breaking work into manageable, structured tasks. This mitigates the risk of burnout associated with prolonged, uninterrupted work. Second, the technique promotes time awareness and productivity accountability.
Business professionals can use the Pomodoro Technique to evaluate task completion rates and refine their work strategies accordingly. Timeboxing your daily and weekly activities that include a sequenced variety of task types each day will improve your degree of job satisfaction, motivation and empowerment as discussed in the IEEE peer-reviewed paper listed in the references.
I hope you found this article on the “New Pomodoro Technique Discovered for Improving Task Engagement” valuable and a bit intriguing. If you’d like to discuss integrating the Task Quotient in to your Pomodoros, I’d be excited to help you implement this new approach in your daily work. You can find more Management and Leadership knowledge on our website https://magnaleadership.com/. We are trusted advisors for executives of small to mid-sized organizations who realize an investment in emerging leaders solves their growth and engagement challenges.
About the Author
Dr. Kevin Gazzara — is a senior partner and founder of Magna Leadership Solutions, based in Phoenix, Arizona. Kevin is an international speaker and recognized as a Management & Leadership Expert and an Executive Coach. He is the author of “The Leader of OZ” www.leaderofoz.com. Kevin has been a professor at 6 Universities, developing and teaching programs to help others achieve their full potential. You can follow Kevin and Magna Leadership Solutions on our website: https://magnaleadership.com/ on Twitter: https://twitter.com/doctorkevin on our Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/MagnaLeadership
or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Magnaleaderhip
I would be excited to speak with you about your current time-management or leadership challenges. Please click here to connect with me at: https://Magnaleadershipkevin.youcanbook.me
Thank you,
Senior Partner and Certified Positive Intelligence & ICF Coach
Magna Leadership Solutions LLC
Kevin@MagnaLeadership.com
References
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Journal of Leisure Research, 24(1), pp.93–94.
Cirillo, F. (2018). The Pomodoro Technique: Do More in Less Time. Currency.
Daniels, W. (1995). Breakthrough Performance, ISBN-10: 188293900X
Gazzara, K. D. (2004). “Using task-quotient (TQ) to maximize individual motivation & job satisfaction,” 2004 IEEE/UT Engineering Management Conference, Austin, TX, USA, 2004, pp. 47–51.
Sadowski, C. J., & Sadowski, P. (2019). The Impact of Time Management Strategies on Business Professionals’ Performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 44(3), 210–225.
Smith, H., & Johnson, M. (2020). Unlocking Productivity: A Study on the Efficacy of the Pomodoro Technique in Corporate Environments. Journal of Business and Management, 38(4), 489–503.
Williams, R., & Brown, A. (2021). Time Management in the Digital Age: Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Pomodoro Technique for Business Professionals. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 29(2), 176–191.
Zao-Sanders, M. (2018). How Timeboxing Works and Why It Will Make You More Productive, Harvard Business Review.
