1. Why Peak Demand Is Hardest on Lean Teams

Lean teams operate with minimal redundancy.

During peak periods, this leads to:

• Overlapping deadlines and priorities

• Reduced recovery time between initiatives

• Increased reliance on reactive work

• Higher risk of errors and burnout

Without support, performance declines rapidly.

2. The Hidden Costs of Pushing Through Peaks

Short-term overextension has long-term consequences.

Common outcomes include:

• Declining quality and rework

• Missed strategic work due to firefighting

• Loss of team morale and engagement

• Delayed delivery even after peaks pass

Sustained pressure erodes efficiency.

3. Planning for Peaks Instead of Reacting to Them

Peak demand is usually predictable. Effective organisations:

• Identify recurring peak periods in advance

• Adjust scope and expectations proactively

• Sequence work to reduce overlap

Preparation reduces last-minute escalation.

4. Using Flexible Support Models 

Temporary capacity is often more effective than permanent expansion. Support options include:

• Short-term external execution support

• Pre-approved partners for rapid deployment

• Shared internal resource pools

Flexibility ensures responsiveness without long-term overhead.

5. Protecting Core Priorities During High Demand

Not all work is equal during peak periods. Lean teams perform better when:

• Core priorities are explicitly protected

• Lower-impact requests are deferred or deprioritised

• Leadership reinforces realistic timelines

Clear trade-offs reduce stress and confusion.

6. Indicators That Support Is Working

Support effectiveness shows up in operations. Look for:

• Stable delivery timelines during peaks

• Fewer urgent escalations

• Maintained quality standards

• Faster recovery post-peak

These signals indicate sustainable performance.