So often nowadays multitasking is necessary. So we think. We try to prepare a report for the meeting this afternoon, answer the phone, reply to emails, and deal with interruptions from co-workers all at the same time. Look how much we're getting done! Maybe not, though...
Stop trying to do too many things at once! It's better to maintain focus on one thing at a time and do it well. "People who regularly juggle several streams of electronic information do not pay attention, control their memories, or switch from one task to another as well as those who prefer to focus on one thing at a time. Heavy media multitaskers are paying a big price."
Stanford Report, 8/24/2009, Study by Clifford Nass, Eyal Ophir & Anthony Wagner
So if you need to multitask, pair up an important task with a lesser important task, such as tidying up your desk drawers (quietly) while on a conference call.
well said.
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