Think shielding your team from distractions helps them focus? You might be creating a bigger problem.

In this episode, Gino and Wayne tackle one of the most common workplace traps: the well-meaning manager who "protects" their team by cutting them off from external input. What starts as good intentions - giving teams space to focus - often ends with teams building the wrong thing entirely.

They share real examples of teams that became so isolated they lost context, missed critical dependencies, and delivered work that other teams couldn't actually use. The result? Longer delivery timelines and frustrated stakeholders - exactly what the protection was supposed to prevent.

The Real Problem:
When teams get isolated, they stop being part of the bigger picture. They lose the feedback loops that keep them aligned with what actually needs to be built.
What Works Instead:

Set up controlled feedback sessions instead of complete isolation
Use Scrum ceremonies strategically for stakeholder input
Create "office hours" for team availability
Implement communication boards for non-urgent questions
Remember that focus doesn't mean disconnection

Bottom Line: Teams need focus, not isolation. The goal is managing distractions, not eliminating all outside contact.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:35 - The "Team Protection" Problem
1:17 - Why Managers Try to Shield Teams
2:13 - When Good Intentions Go Wrong
3:33 - Better Ways to Handle Distractions
5:00 - Using Scrum for Controlled Feedback
6:32 - Office Hours and Communication Systems
8:05 - Keeping Teams Connected to the Big Picture
10:18 - Avoiding the "Special Project" Mentality
11:05 - Managing Emergency Work Without Chaos

About Good Intentions, Bad Outcomes:
A podcast about workplace challenges where good intentions create unintended consequences. Hosted by Gino Marckx and Wayne Hetherington.

#TeamManagement #Agile #ScrumMaster #Leadership #ProjectManagement #WorkplaceCollaboration

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Contact us at feedback@goodintentionsbadoutcomes.org