Multitasking - is it holding you back?

Multitasking can be a bane rather than a boon for many people. How many times have you turned on the radio or an audio podcast while you are working only to find later that you have no recollection of what was said?

There is a lot to be said for total focus on the really important stuff like making a living, for example.


Hidden Cost of Multitasking

Mary Ellen Warner ©2005 All Rights Reserved

Busy! Busy! Busy! Everyone is busy! What is the solution? Many people believe that
multitasking is the answer. I agree, if you are a computer. Computers are masters of
multitasking.

What is multitasking? It is the ability to execute more than one task at the same time, a
task being a program. We are talking computers here folks.

The computer switches from one program to another so quickly that it gives the
appearance of executing all of the programs at the same time. The key word is, of course,
appearance.

Unfortunately, many people use the theory of multitasking to arrange their lives. I
frequently encounter people who believe that they are capable of performing several tasks
at the same time. They aren’t! Multitasking has become the problem.

Consider the cost you will experience, in both your personal and professional lives, when
multitasking and attempting to communicate.

How many mistakes have you made because you didn’t really hear what the other person
was telling you? If the person is a client or a prospect, this can be very costly. If the
person is your spouse or significant other, it can be even more costly!

Multitasking is a barrier to effective communication. It is necessary to focus, especially
when you are listening. Because I have a profound hearing loss, I know that I have to pay
attention to the person who is speaking. I am a better listener because I am hard of
hearing.

Since I cannot hear you if your back is turned to me, I believe you cannot hear me. If you
turn away, to shuffle your papers or look around at other people, I stop talking. Do you
know how many times people have said, “go on … keep talking… I am listening”.
No you are not! I don’t usually say that our loud -- but I do think it. Are your clients in
the same position? It is not possible to engage in meaningful conversation with the person
in front of you, to answer the phone, and to interact with other people in the near vicinity.
However, how many try to do that in their office every day?

What is the solution? You must determine what is essential. You must focus on what is
important. You must do one task at a time.

Remember, the computer is able to switch from one program to another so quickly that is
gives the appearance of executing all of the programs at the same time. You are not a
computer.

Recognize the cost you will experience, in both your personal and professional lives,
when multitasking and attempting to communicate.

Mary Ellen Warner, MSA, DTM is a speaker, author and coach who works with people to
overcome barriers to effective communication. Learn more about Mary Ellen at
www.marbilwarner.com or contact her at maryellen@marbilwarner.com .

Greg Cryns
Check out the opportunity in a nursing career