Multi-task in the Day, Not in the Moment

In a recent post on Lawyerist.com, Allison Shields cited a 2009 Stanford University study that showed multi-taskers have more difficulty filtering out useless information. Though it’s enticing to try to talk on the phone, answer an email, and monitor Twitter all at once, something is bound to fall through the cracks.

An example is when I am talking on the phone and have to repeat myself because the person on the other end is clearly distracted, perhaps checking email, instant messaging or doing anything except focusing on our conversation.  Though the other party may think it’s not noticeable by others, it usually is. It’s rude, as it not only wastes their time, but mine as well.

Multi-tasking used to be defined as switching to Project B while you wait for input from others on Project A. That makes sense and improves your productivity. When you try to do more than one thing at the exact same time, nothing gets done well. One advantage to being focused in the moment is how “special” your clients will feel when you don’t answer a ringing phone during meetings with them in your office.

Allison Shields put it well, “The next time you are tempted to check your email while you’re on the telephone or you catch yourself waving to a colleague while working on something else, ask yourself, “What will the switching cost of this interruption be?” Do yourself and your colleagues and clients a favor and stop multi-tasking.”

That’s my thought on multi-tasking. Now, please excuse me while I check my email.