We’re all familiar with multitasking, the idea of juggling multiple tasks at once. But research shows it can lead to mistakes, inefficiency, and burnout. Why? Because our brains aren’t wired to focus on more than one thing at a time. When we try, we’re really “switch-tasking”—constantly shifting our attention and wasting energy in the process.
But there’s a smarter approach: stacking.
Stacking is about combining related tasks that complement each other, creating a ripple effect where one action supports and enhances the next. Instead of spreading your focus thin, you align your efforts to amplify your results. Think of it like running errands in the same geographical area all at once instead of making separate trips.
Stacking In Action
Let me share a business example. My speaking coach recently led a group workshop and she layered stacking to achieve multiple objectives in one session:
She taught techniques for improving public speaking.
Her team recorded the session for future training content and social media posts.
They filmed audience reactions to add to future content.
She also streamed a live segment on Facebook, reaching a broader audience in real-time.
She taught the concept of stacking as a time management tool.
In just one hour, she trained her group, created marketing content, engaged her online followers, and built her brand—all through strategic stacking.
How Leaders Can Stack
Leaders can apply stacking to improve their team’s efficiency and growth. Take a regular feedback meeting, for example. Instead of just evaluating performance, turn it into a multi-purpose session:
Review performance goals and progress.
Identify strengths and growth areas, aligning them with the employee’s career aspirations.
Use insights from individual reviews to spot trends and create team-wide initiatives (like a workshop on time management).
Record feedback to build a leadership report for team-wide insights.
Ask targeted questions to gather specific employee insights.
By stacking these activities, you’re not only saving time, but also fostering growth, boosting morale, layering strategic goals with a tactical task, and modeling efficiency—all in one meeting.
The Key to Successful Stacking
The key to stacking is alignment. The tasks must naturally support one another, so the effort feels cohesive, not forced or scattered. Stacking isn’t about cramming more into your day—it’s about working smarter, not harder.
Next time you find yourself multitasking, pause and ask: How can I stack these efforts for maximum impact?
