The Myth of Multi-Tasking

Picture this:  You just arrived at your desk and you are ready to begin your day.  After logging in you join the first meeting of the day - a conference call.  Referencing your calendar you notice, with a sinking feeling, that this meeting is followed by another call and another.  In fact, you will be on the phone until lunch.  You greet the call participants and settle back to listen while the meeting organizer warms up to the topic at hand.  Next you: (a) open and scan your email for messages from your boss, (b) start up a browser and check latest news feeds, (c) tweet complaints about your morning schedule to your followers, or, (d) all of the above.  Be honest now, do you “multi-task”?  Here’s another test… have you ever had to repeat a question during a meeting or conference call because someone was not paying attention?  Ever been the one to ask for the repetition?

The term multi-tasking turned mainstream with the introduction of Windows 95.  Remember?  We were forever freed from the bounds of entering a single application window at a time.  Take a look at your desktop.  If you have several windows open right now you are a multi-tasker.  The problem is that humans are unable to function in the same manner as PCs.  Experimental research shows that humans simply cannot concentrate on more than one task at a time.  Some basic multi-tasking is possible (such as walking and talking and chewing gum simultaneously).  However if a task requires cognitive selection and choosing action, humans are proven to concentrate on one thing at a time.  When attempting to multi-task we adapt by “skimming the surface of incoming data, picking out the relevant details and moving on to the next stream.  You pay attention, but only partially.” explains Steven Berlin Johnson.

Why is this relevant in a leadership blog? Because people know when you are multi-tasking.  In fact, the person with whom you are interacting may be more aware of your partial attention than you are.  Leaders endeavor to be fully present.  Being fully present can include many skills that we focus upon including active listening, being perceptive, improving body language including eye contact and non-verbal responses.  However the biggest and best indicator of full presence is concentration.  It’s hard, but rewarding.  Give some thought to the actions that help you stay focused.  Concentration actions might include deep breathing, eye contact, taking notes and asking thoughtful questions.

People will notice the difference.  Colleagues will seek you out as a trusted advisor.  Why?  Because you pay attention and you are interested in what they choose to speak about.  You will be seen as thoughtful, intelligent, genuine, articulate and wise.  Who doesn’t want to be esteemed by colleagues?  An easy start is to exercise concentration and be fully present.  Start today.