The flow state allows for massively accelerated learning, creativity and motivation.
According to Stephen Kotler, author of The Rise of Superman, researchers have identified seventeen flow triggers: three environmental, three psychological, ten social, and one creative.
Adventure-sports athletes who survive climbing big mountains, riding big waves and paddling wild rivers do so because they are in the flow state during the activity.
Which all sounds great — question is, how can you do that from your desk?
Let’s look at these triggers further and consider them in the context of the HR profession.
Intensely focused attention, clear goals, immediate feedback, and a real challenge are the psychological triggers for the flow state.
How focused are your daily efforts? Do you work with a specific plan for the day’s activities or do you just show up?
Do you have an HR and career game plan? If not, what are you waiting for?
Environmental triggers include high consequences (danger), a rich environment (novelty, unpredictability and complexity), and deep embodiment.
Many HR executives I coach are uncomfortable with novelty and prefer structure and rules, but you can have both.
Reading creative management guides such as Orbiting the Giant Hairball can help you manage the tension between structure and novelty.
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Social triggers include concentration, shared goals, good communication, familiarity, equal participation, and risk.
How tight are you with the management team? Are you even a part of the team? How would you rate your level of communication with them?
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The final trigger is creativity, which involves pattern recognition and risk-taking.
The challenge with taking risk is that mistakes may be made and criticism may follow, so many professionals stay in comfortable silence hoping to avoid harm or judgment.
What can stop HR from getting into flow? Only HR can. Flow is a choice.
You have likely had days where you were on top of your game and everything seemed to “flow.” The goal is to make that the norm rather than the exception.
Last note: you can’t be in flow all the time. Being in flow uses substantial energy and rest is needed afterwards.
Make sure to schedule some “you time” so you can regenerate and be at the top of your game when the bell rings.
When you are ready to review options for workplace risk and coverage, talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flow state?
The flow state is a mental condition of deep focus and enjoyment where skills match challenge, leading to high productivity and creativity.
Can HR professionals deliberately trigger flow at work?
Yes — by setting clear goals, seeking immediate feedback, and designing tasks with the right level of challenge, HR pros can increase the chances of entering flow.
How should teams support social triggers for flow?
Teams can foster flow by aligning on shared goals, improving communication, encouraging equal participation, and allowing psychological safety for risk-taking.
How do you balance flow with the risk of burnout?
Schedule regular rest and recovery, limit the duration of intense focus sessions, and monitor energy levels to prevent exhaustion.