Let me put this bluntly: multitasking is a crock of … Um, okay, lets just say that multitasking is not all that it’s cracked up to be.
Now that’s not to say that multitasking doesn’t work for everyone - it surely must. But, I’m taking a totally wild stab in the dark here and stating that for the vast majority of us, multitasking does not work, in fact, it does more harm, gives us more headaches and generally is a waste of time.
First of all, what is multitasking. Lets head to our trusty Wikipedia…
multitasking is the performance by an individual of more than one task at the same time … An example of multitasking is listening to a radio interview while typing an email. Multitasking can result in time wasted due to human context switching and apparently causing more errors due to insufficient attention.
Yikes! Wikipedia has pretty much summed it up for me.
Multitasking can result in time wasted due to human context switching and apparently causing more errors due to insufficient attention.
I have lots of friends, associates and clients who swear by multitasking. I swear at it! :-)
My advice to one and all is pretty much stated in the title: One Thing at a Time - it Works!
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4 Responses to “One Thing at a Time - it Works!”
by Chuck Newton on Jun 4, 2008 | Reply
I have said and posted on exactly this point. Studies show in fact that almost nobody multitasks.
In fact, those that are good at management are capable of compartmentalizing well. They say, for example, that Bill Clinton is so very good at this. He can focus like a laser on an issue, then close it down and move on.
Where the problem with the multitasking is in what experts call the recovery time between events, issues, or concentrations.
Most people need a degree of separation or down time when changing from one task to another. Some people need very little. This appears to be multitasking. Most people need more time and trying to multitask for these is a disaster.
Thanks for reporting on this issue.
Chuck Newtons last blog post: The States Are About To Rain On The Internet’s Parade
by Harry on Jun 4, 2008 | Reply
I must agree that monotasking rather than multitasking is my preferred method of operation.
I believe that research is showing this to be true and has resulted in such great systems as Getting Things Done and Zen to Done.
Their purpose is to take us systematically to the place where we can be fully connected to one task at a time.
It has worked wonders for my productivity and I recommend it to anyone else who needs that boost in productivity and in accuracy.
Harrys last blog post: Three Tips to Focus Your Networking
by Martin Neumann on Jun 5, 2008 | Reply
Chuck,
Thanks for your comments. Yes, I like the way you put it - Most people need a degree of separation or down time when changing from one task to another.
Laser-like focusing on one issue at the time has been my motto for months now.
BTW, I like the B.Clinton example. :-) Obviously with all that he was up to the old fella he had to compartmentalize…
by Martin Neumann on Jun 5, 2008 | Reply
Hi there Harry - first time commenter, welcome to my blog and thanks for your thoughts.
Yes, systemization is a big issue with the smaller business - they simply do not do it right, in my opinion, hence the success of GTD and ZTD. I suspect people want to know more, they understand what’s going on and what should be done … but still fall for little traps that lead them into unproductive ways.
I know I’ve been more productive these last few months than for the whole of the last 2 years simply by focusing on one issue at a time and setting up simple systems in my business - no business is too small to have systems … title of my next post. ;-)
BTW, love the look of your blog - I’ve rss subscribed.