Multi-tasking is not what it’s all cracked up to be.

Must We Multi-task? Maybe It’s Better Not To.

After all, multi-tasking is not what it’s all cracked up to be.

As I deliver sessions at seminars and conferences throughout North America in every kind of business you can think of, I often encounter people who are pleased, even proud, that they can multi-task.

What about you? Do you regularly multi-task, such as reading emails while someone is talking to you on the telephone?

I believe that our obsession with technology is creating a lot of stress in our lives. Multi-tasking using these various technologies just makes it worse.

Consider these examples:

  1. Statistics show nearly half of all Americans keep a computer at home primarily as a means to stay in touch or catch up with business while they are out of the office.
  2. 90% of American adults own a cell phone. (64% own a smartphone.)
  3. 67% of cell owners find themselves checking their phone for messages, alerts or calls – even when they don’t notice ringing or vibrating.
  4. 44% of cell owners sleep with their phone next to their bed.
  5. Hardly a movie, play or public event can be enjoyed without the interruption of someone’s phone.

Bottom line: We can actually be less effective, create mistakes, feel less happy and be less customer-service oriented when we multi-task. Here are some tips that can help:

  • Focus on a single project. Don’t be tempted to jump back and forth to incoming e-mails when you should be finishing a project.
  • Leave a voice-mail message that specifies the times you will not be able to return to phone calls.
  • Give co-workers your undivided attention when they speak to you face-to-face at your desk. Take notes, if needed.
  • When you are on the telephone, listen to understand the caller’s needs rather than read mail, collate papers, etc.
  • Try your best not be distracted by activity around you, such as co-workers chitchatting.
  • To counteract other stress in the workplace, make an honest inventory of how you spend your time. Rearrange your work and schedule to get the best results in the shortest period of time.

So remember, this week – avoid multi-tasking! Multi-tasking is not what it’s cracked up to be. Keep your focus on what you are doing, and you will do a great job plus feel less stress. Try it. You might like it.

What are your thoughts on this? I usually get a lot of feedback from proud multi-taskers when I write on this subject. I’m eager to hear from you.

Joan Burge

Guide-For-Executives-And-Assistants-BANNER

Monday_Motivators

READ SIMILAR POSTS

Like this article? Share it!

Scroll to Top

Join Our Administrative Community

Join a community of administrative professionals who have taken advantage of our free career development tools. You will receive FREE ACCESS to Webinars, Monday Motivators, Special Discounts, Email Announcements, and much more!
By filling out this form and clicking submit, I agree to receive emails from Office Dynamics International. You may unsubscribe at any time from the bottom of our emails.