Let me start out by saying…I don’t think multi-tasking makes sense and it does not make me more productive. But, before you pass judgment, hear me out. Then, I’m open to a lively discussion on the topic…

I turned to the internet for a definition of multi-tasking and found the following definitions:

performance of multiple tasks at one time; and

execution by a single central processing unit of two or more programs at once, either by simultaneous operation or by rapid alternation between the programs.

First, I’m going to challenge the idea of performing “multiple tasks at one time.” The brain can only do one thing at a time. It may be able to switch really fast from focusing on one thing and then to focusing on another. It may truly appear as if it is doing two or more things simultaneously. Trust me…it’s not!

So, let’s examine the “rapid alternation” between tasks. If I have two tasks that are expected to each take one minute to finish, it would take two minutes to complete them both (concurrently or consecutively). If I use 100% of my time/energy on task one for 60 seconds and then 100% of my time/energy on task two for 60 seconds, I’ve used two minutes. However, if I were able to utilize a percentage of the first minute for task one and a percentage of the first minute for task two and then do the same for the second minute, it would take more than two minutes to complete both tasks. The variable is the switching period. There’s only one switch in the first scenario. Its a very insignificant amount of time (longer than you think), but the affect would be multiplied by the number of switches that would take place in scenario two.

Most companies believe top quality employees should easily be able to multi-task and effortlessly switch from one project to another. However, multi-tasking has been shown to actually lower productivity, divide your focus, raise stress levels and create unrealistic expectations. Those who do not receive high marks for multitasking often feel shame and guilt for not measuring up. (see my post on Success)

If you work in an office environment, you may have noticed how many people show up to meetings with their laptop, Blackberry or iPhone? No one is paying attention. They’re basically just warm bodies, not active participants. They’re so busy doing “stuff” they don’t get anything done…no wonder so many people work late.

On a personal level, have you ever been on the phone with someone and heard the unmistakable sound of their fingers hitting the keys on the keyboard? Or have you engaged in a conversation with someone who is in the same room with you as they watch TV, check their computer, examine their watch, etc.? Do you hear “Yes…I’m listening…ok…I can do this and talk at the same time.” How does that make you feel?

Try “single-tasking”. I believe you’ll get more done in less time and the quality will be higher. What if, when you had something to say, your spouse, co-worker or friend stopped everything and turned to you and gave you their full, undivided attention? Would it not indicate that you and what you have to say are important to them? What if the roles were reversed? Turn off the TV, put down the phone and close that report…your ability to communicate will improve. Give yourself a break…in the interest of a Better Day!
_____

Additional articles you might enjoy:

Multitasking Ability Can Be Improved Through Training (or can it?)
Switch-Tasking
The Myth of Multi-Tasking

One Response to “Multi-Tasking: Advantage or Detriment?”