Do you multi-task?
It’s the way things are done these days. The introduction of the laptop, PDA, phones with internet, podcasting, and TV capability make multi-tasking a common occurrence among most people these days. In fact, it seems if you can multi-task "effectively" you are among the elite in making things happen.
Does multi-tasking make you more effective?
Those at www.projectmanagementsource.com say multi-tasking is one of many ways to save time on the job. Here’s an excerpt from their website (time saving tip on the job - tip #11):
“Multitask. Jobs that are not too critical and don’t require 100% concentration can be clubbed together –exercise while you catch up on your favorite program, or cut coupons while talking on the telephone. At the office, you can send routine emails while talking on the phone. Multitasking frees 30-60 minutes of time to be used later in the day.”
On the other hand, Hueina Su (certified empowerment coach) says to avoid it if you want to avoid burnout. Here’s key # 6 of the Seven keys to avoiding burnout:
“Avoid Multi-Tasking. While it's impossible to totally avoid multi-tasking, try to minimize it whenever you can. Many new studies showed that your brain actually works slower when you multi-task, because it has to stop and start to switch between tasks. Multi-tasking also increases your stress level and makes you more prone to making mistakes. Because you are distracted and switching among several tasks, you might find yourself running like crazy but not accomplishing much at the end of the day. It's very frustrating when every project is half-done and you can't cross them off your list. A better approach is to tackle the most important task for the day first (like Brian Tracy said, "Eat that frog"), and then move on to the next one.”
For more formal research, there’s the Cornell University study entitled, “The Laptop and the Lecture: The Effects of Multitasking in Learning Environments” by Helene Hembrook and Geri Gay. They compared 2 groups of students during a lecture. One group was allowed to keep their laptops open to engage in browsing, searching, and/or social computing behaviors during the lecture. The other group was asked to keep their laptops closed. Here is an excerpt from their findings:
“In two studies, students performing multiple tasks performed significantly poorer on immediate measures of memory for the to-be-learned content. In follow-up analysis we discovered that page-relevant content did not predict better performance, and spending the majority of class time on class related content did not result in better test performance. This suggests strongly that memory decrement in multitasking situations is the result of the proportion of time drawn off task.”
My opinion: There are definitely times when multi-tasking is inappropriate, such as in the case of texting while driving, or checking email during a meeting. Although this is my opinion, there is documentation of fatal results from driving while texting, etc.
Perhaps there are certain times when multi-tasking is appropriate. As in the case of stretching your calves while brushing your teeth. But, even in that example, is your less-than-100% attention on your calves going to possibly result in improper stretching (or missing a row of teeth)? You get the idea.
I believe the main issue with multi-tasking is focus. How important is it to you to be 100% focused on a particular task? For example, say you’ve got a presentation to make (or a sermon). How important is your focus during the prep time? If you miss a key point or some research, what impact will that have when you get up to present the material? Wouldn’t it be better to schedule an appointment with yourself and sequester yourself for the sole purpose of preparing for the presentation?
Bottom line: Be wary of multi-tasking. I think it’s gotten too much positive press in recent days. It may not be all it’s cracked up to be. Stay 100% focused most of the time and you'll be serving strong!
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Hi Scott:
Thanks for the quote. I appreciate it! I enjoy reading your articles.
Warmly,
Hueina
Intensive Care for the Nurturer's Soul
http://blog.BeyondHorizonCoaching.com
Posted by: Hueina Su | August 30, 2007 at 10:24 PM
Hueina,
I was driving to my son's band concert yesterday. One of the things I've been meaning to do was arrange to have our blacktop driveway resealed. It occurred to me as I was driving. Since I had my hands-free earpiece in, I dialed the number of a company I remembered. I gave the lady my name, address, and set up an appointment...all while driving my car.
I was multitasking. I "killed to birds..." as they say. No accidents. I didn't miss a beat.
But I wonder if it was God's grace that I was not in an accident. At a base level, the space in my mind devoted to driving was distracted (even the slightest bit) by talking on the phone. I wonder what reaction time I would have had if I had been faced with a driving situation not common to me...
Just some thoughts...
Thanks for your work with women who nurture others at the expense of themselves.
Posted by: Scott | August 31, 2007 at 09:08 AM