The inability to multitask
“The ability to multitask.”
That statement – or request – was on so many job descriptions during my time at UBC. From a quick search online, it appears that request still exists in many other places. Its purpose has been questioned by many as well.
What does it mean to multitask – as a person (and not a computer)?
Oxford Dictionary will tell you it means to deal with more than one task at the same time.
When you stop and think about it, are we really capable of doing more than one task at a time?
Turns out it is possible but in limited capacity.
I have found two scenarios where this might be possible:
Dr. David Strayer discovered a small number of “supertaskers” who are genetically predisposed to juggle more than one ball in the air without any ill effect. He estimates roughly 2% of the population are supertaskers.
Dr. Faye Begeti will tell you that the golden rule of effective multitasking is that one of the tasks must be simple enough to be performed automatically.
I know I am not a supertasker, so I want to focus on what this all means for me… and probably for you.
One of the biggest takeaways from Dr. Begeti’s work is how attempts at multitasking are often the result of constant attention switching which drains my executive brain – the one that processes, understands, and retains information.
When I think about what this looks like in the workplace, I shudder to think… and remember. I used to juggle multiple tasks – and then would crash on the sofa after work to recover.
Since multitasking has been proven to be both inefficient and difficult, should I really ask others to multitask? I don’t think so. Nor should I expect this of myself.
To do so is to lead someone down a path which doesn’t allow them to show up at their best.
I would rather look at this individual through the lens of dignity and discuss with them how they work best and how we can encourage focus and reduce interruptions.
I love Dr. Begeti’s suggestions for reducing external interruptions:
Communicate to your co-workers specific times that you will do complex work and wish not to be disturbed. This is because constant external interruptions can be fatiguing and increase self-interruptions. Setting a regular pattern for this will be the start of building good habits. Block those times out in your work calendar and set automatic email replies if needed.
Begeti also mentioned self-interruptions which I am quite skilled at – particularly when I am running out of “spoons and beans” and find myself on the couch watching another detective drama and playing games on my phone. I am constantly looking at my phone and then switching to the TV and back again – thus, interrupting myself over and over. Self-interruptions are the attachment switching I mentioned above. I find it interesting to know that my attachment switching is further depleting my spoons and beans. Another good reason to put a stop to that contradictory habit!
As a leader, I can encourage and role model good behavior – as in, reducing interruptions – and sit back and watch the productivity flow.
Doesn’t that sound more appealing? I think so.
Then we can change job descriptions to refer to “the inability to multitask” ;)
Resources
Begeti, Faye. 2024. The Phone Fix. London, UK: Head of Zeus Ltd.
Image: Tammy Brimner
