Skip to main content

Flow State

In the end all that matters is a state of mind.

Flow = Predict the most valuable trajectory + Prioritize energy toward it + Prompt execution with minimal latency.

Working Memory and Context Management​

Staying on in the flow of progress rather than jumping around. Effective memory management in and humans prevents constant context shifting, which would otherwise force an agent to reorient with each interaction. This creates several benefits:

  • Maintains conversational coherence across multiple exchanges
  • Enables personalization based on user history and preferences
  • Builds trust through demonstrating continuity and recall of past interactions
  • Reduces computational costs by prioritizing relevant

See working memory optimisation.

Convictions​

Optimizing the state of flow is the ultimate goal of any system.

  • Flow is not mystical; it is a result of tight perception-action loops.
  • Performance breakdowns occur when any of the 3 loop components degrade.
  • This loop applies to humans, agents, protocols, and businesses equally.

Variables​

  • Latency (prediction → prioritization → action time)
  • Accuracy of perception vs. actual outcomes
  • Resource allocation fidelity
  • Feedback resolution and integration speed

Better Practice​

Achieving flow leads to enhanced productivity, creativity, and satisfaction, making it a crucial outcome of making the correct decisions.

  1. Enhanced cognitive functions: Flow boosts memory, reasoning, and creativity, allowing you to process information more efficiently, generate more alternatives, and evaluate them more critically.
  2. Faster subconscious processing: In a flow state, decision making shifts from conscious to subconscious processing, which is about 7 seconds faster. This allows for quicker, more intuitive decisions, especially in high-pressure situations.
  3. Reduced stress and emotional bias: Flow reduces stress levels and promotes positive emotions, helping you cope with uncertainty and avoid emotional biases that can negatively impact decision making.
  4. Increased motivation and commitment: Flow aligns your actions with your values and goals, increasing motivation to overcome obstacles and follow through on decisions.
  5. Improved pattern recognition: The subconscious mind activated during flow has almost unlimited capacity compared to conscious working memory, allowing for better pattern recognition and connections between ideas.
  6. Energy efficiency: Flow is an energy-efficient state, allowing you to think longer and harder about complex decisions without burning out.
  7. High-speed decision making: Flow is particularly beneficial for making rapid decisions in high-stakes situations, like in finance or sports.

Capturing Flow​

How to use diagrams for mapping the flow of value through your systems.

  1. Start with the Outcome Map to align beliefs and intention around what success looks like.
  2. Create Value Stream Maps to visualize current, ideal, and target states.
  3. Develop a Dependency Map to identify external constraints.
  4. Build a Capability Map to assess internal strengths and weaknesses.
  5. Use insights from all maps to Sell The Journey.
tip

Monitor progress by tracking Valuable Performance Indicators.

Outcome Map​

Clarify and align the team on the desired outcome and contributing factors.

  • Desired outcome
  • Contributing factors
  • Obstacles
  • Investigations
  • Measures (to be defined later)
  • Optional: Indicators, Impacts, Roles, Methods

Benefits:

  • Creates alignment and shared understanding
  • Helps identify potential challenges early
  • Sets the foundation for subsequent mapping exercises

Value Stream Maps​

Visualize and measure the flow of work through the software delivery process.

Types:

  • Current State Map
  • Ideal State Map
  • Target State Map (3-6 months out)

Key components:

  • Activities in the workflow
  • Wait times between activities
  • Process time for each activity
  • Quality metrics (e.g., defect rates)
  • Value-added vs. non-value-added activities

Benefits:

  • Identifies bottlenecks and waste in the process
  • Provides data for prioritizing improvement efforts
  • Helps visualize the gap between current and ideal states

Dependency Map​

Purpose: To identify external factors affecting the team's ability to deliver value.

Key components:

  • Shared services
  • Meetings
  • SLAs
  • Approvals
  • Other external obligations

Benefits:

  • Highlights areas where the team lacks autonomy
  • Identifies opportunities to break or mitigate dependencies
  • Provides context for capability building needs

Capability Map​

Purpose: To assess the team's internal capabilities and identify areas for improvement.

Key components:

  • Critical capabilities required for success
  • Skill levels
  • Training needs
  • Resource availability
  • Comfort levels with different tasks

Benefits:

  • Identifies skill gaps and training needs
  • Helps prioritize capability building efforts
  • Supports decisions on internalizing dependencies

Best Practices​

Best practices for building collaborative flow.

  • Ask meaningful questions that clarify reality and spark imagination.
  • Define clear objectives and intentions before meeting. (Inception)
  • Involve representatives from all parts of the value stream in mapping exercises.
  • Use collaborative tools for remote-friendly mapping sessions.
  • Focus on relative measurements initially; precise data can come later.
  • Prioritize improvements based on impact and effort.
  • Communicate findings and plans visually to all stakeholders.
  • Celebrate quick wins to build momentum.
  • Be prepared to iterate and adjust as you learn.