Microtasking not Multitasking

I am going to start out direct and to the point. There is no such thing as multitasking. The time management of multitasking is simply not to multitask. Now, before you abandon me by closing your browser or returning to your LinkedIn feed, hear me out.

Let’s describe multitasking first.

The Merriam-Webester Dictionary defines it as “the performance of multiple tasks at one time.”

The Cambridge English Dictionary states multitasking is “a person's or product's ability to do more than one thing at a time.”

When individuals take the Time Management Analysis (TMA) from Kairos Management Solutions they are asked to respond to the following statement:

?“I can multitask. (You feel you are able to do more than one thing at a time, giving each your full attention. In doing so, you are able complete all activities accurately and on time.)” Do you strongly agree, somewhat agree, neutral/not sure, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree with that scenario?

There is a mountain of evidence pointing to the fallacy of multitasking. Psychology Today sums it up well by stating, “Research has repeatedly and consistently found that multitasking is not feasible with human cognitive functioning”

I could spend the rest of the article quoting other papers supporting the multitasking misnomer (and there are a lot). However, I would rather ask the multitaskers to look at their activities in a different way.

On an average workday in a home or work office, we might have the following in progress:

• Multiple browsers open
• One or more spreadsheets
• Maybe a Word document or two
• Zoom or Google Meet launched, ready for the next meeting
• Phone next to the computer
• Tablet close by
• Company related software accessed

In an environment like this, multitasking can take the form of:

• Working on email while attending an online meeting
• Checking texts while working in a spreadsheet
• Reading an article while on a call
• Entering data while monitoring social media

Two or more tasks are open and supposably getting worked on at the same time. What is happening here is not multitasking, but a rapid switching back and forth between tasks, called microtasking. Therefore, the true basis for effective time management lies in not trying to do a lot of items at one time but to recognize and learn how to refocus when you choose to switch between duties.

To emphasize, microtasking should only be applied to lower-level activities. For example, I will watch an informational webinar while answering email. I will listen to a podcast while vacuuming (yes, I do housework). I will take general notes while on a phone call. In each instance, I know something critical will not be lost as my attention shifts among the objects or activities.

Effectively minimizing multitasking and incorporating microtasking requires solid task management.

Evaluate your approach to your assignments by your personal attitude, the way you and plan prioritize, along with the tools and processes you use to complete. You will find, the better you get at getting tasks done, the more you won’t multitask or even microtask, because the day is planned well, and the duties get done naturally.?

Dave Buck is the Chief Time Keeper of?Kairos Management Solutions.

Learn about your time management opportunities by taking and getting a free?Time Management Analysis (TMA)?summary report.?Schedule an appointment?with Dave Buck to discuss a full-time management improvement program for individuals, teams, and companies.?