Multitasking: The Productivity Myth

Today, we’ll be addressing that skill you keep putting on your résumé as your competitive edge.

You guessed it:

Multitasking, multitasking, multitasking!

Let’s start by defining it.

Multitasking is the performance of more than one task at the same time. It typically looks like working on multiple tasks simultaneously or switching from one task to another in rapid succession, over very short intervals.

Imagine this:

You’re in a meeting, trying to run an analysis on your computer while responding to an email, and instructing a subordinate on their next task.

Looks like you’re getting a lot done right? Plus, it feels somewhat satisfying juggling through several tasks.

Whilst it is possible to work on multiple things at once, you will perform better when you focus on one task per time.

The reality is you are less effective doing all those things at once. Your brain is not quite cut out for that.

A 2006 review by the American Psychological Association highlighted that the mind and brain were not designed for heavy-duty multitasking.

A 2010 Harvard Business Review article says this:

“Our brain chooses which information to process. For example, if you listen to speech, your visual cortex becomes less active, so when you talk on the phone to a client and work on your computer at the same time, you literally hear less of what the client is saying.”

This is why time-blocking works- it rides on your brain's existing mechanism.

It allows you focus on one activity per time and makes it easier to get into a flow state. This state enables you give your best to each task, maximising the allotted time.

So, say NO to multitasking. And please, get it off your résumé - even the recruiters are tired of seeing it.

Let me know if this helps you.

Alright then. Do take care.