Attention Residue: Why You Can't Focus

You've moved on to the next meeting, but your mind is still on the last problem.

That's attention residue: thoughts about previous work competing with what needs your attention now.

Jason Rigby explains research by Sophie Leroy and Theresa Glomb on task switching, unfinished work, and a simple "ready-to-resume" plan. Before switching tasks, briefly write down where you stopped and how you'll return.

Hear how to use this practice before a conversation, why checking email right before a meeting can leave you distracted, and how leaders can interrupt their teams more thoughtfully.

If you manage people, make decisions throughout the day, or struggle to listen while thinking about unfinished work, this episode gives you something practical to try.

More from Jason Rigby:

https://jasonrigby.substack.com