[arnold]

Yep, IMO, multi tasking ability increase independence and save cost as well.

[cheryl]

depend on your level of competence as well, how fast you grasp things.

[GregP]

multi-tasking is an excellent way to get nothing done. Studies have shown where people who multi-task and attempt to complete multiple tasks at once rarely get anything finished...and you don't get that feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day.

Then you've got multiple projects hanging over your head all the time and the next day...that's where it begins to steamroll into a whole new set of tasks (that you rarely complete).

Multi-tasking is fine if you can manage to have a start and finish to each project. It doesn't mean the task has to be complete -- but as long as you get to the point you had planned to get to.

But most people who multi-task tend to jump from A to B to C to B to A...then to D, F, and H...

Completing a single "planned" task from start to finish before moving onto the next project not only makes you feel better...but also motivates you to go forward with a new set of goals and tasks.

To being organized!

Greg

[Abe]

I think we all do this without even realizing we do this at home

Originally Posted by alwaysright

I have to multitask working at home. Otherwise I get nothing done.

[GregP]

Originally Posted by dave

Well, even in job the employer prefer the person those who are versatile and have multi-tasking ability.

Yes it's on every resume I've ever looked at. The employee I prefer is the one who knows how to prioritize and focus on specific tasks...through completion.

See, with multi-tasking, people tend not to focus enough on each task. Hence, the term "scatter-brained." They're all over the place...

Multi-tasking is the reason in corporate settings, projects tend to take 2-3 times longer than they should. (Among other problems, of course)

But I guarantee if I were to give two employees the same amount of work over a weeks time, and one attempts to multi-task, jumping from item to item...and the other systematically plans out the week with daily priorities and completing small goals each day -- the "planner" will feel a greater sense of accomplishment and the multi-tasker will typically have work that is incomplete at the end of the week.

Greg

[Beryl]

I think there are different types of multi-tasking, and different types of personalities are better at it than others. I know a receptionist in a busy office who thrives on multi-tasking. She has a short attention span and bouncing around from one thing to another works great for her.

Preparing a meal requires lots of multi-tasking. Cleaning the garbage out of the car while it's filling up at the pump is multi-tasking. Paying bills while sitting with your child who needs morale support when doing his home work is multi-tasking. I think these are all productive ways to multi-task. Trying to answer email while working on an important report or participating in a conference call with co-workers is generally not so productive.

It's also important to know your own limits so that you know when to take a break and shift gears. Some people will get more accomplished on a project if they devote 30 minutes a day for 6 days in a row instead of trying to work for one 3 hour session.

-Beryl

[GregP]

Good post Beryl.

Of course multi-tasking is part of life. There are certainly different degrees where in some cases it's simply a necessity. Cooking, having a child.

And your examples clarified the point.

But try putting a grilled cheese on the stove for your child while paying your bills and going into the laundry room to get the clothes out of the dryer.

A good smoke alarm test :-)

Your final point -- devoting 30 minutes a day to a project and completing it over a weeks time -- is dead-on and not at all what I consider multi-tasking.

That sounds more like planning out a project and having a beginning and an end to each phase of the task.

Again, good clarification Beryl.

Anyone else have any good examples of where multi-tasking is simply a part of life?

Greg

Originally Posted by Beryl

I think there are different types of multi-tasking, and different types of personalities are better at it than others. I know a receptionist in a busy office who thrives on multi-tasking. She has a short attention span and bouncing around from one thing to another works great for her.

Preparing a meal requires lots of multi-tasking. Cleaning the garbage out of the car while it's filling up at the pump is multi-tasking. Paying bills while sitting with your child who needs morale support when doing his home work is multi-tasking. I think these are all productive ways to multi-task. Trying to answer email while working on an important report or participating in a conference call with co-workers is generally not so productive.

It's also important to know your own limits so that you know when to take a break and shift gears. Some people will get more accomplished on a project if they devote 30 minutes a day for 6 days in a row instead of trying to work for one 3 hour session.

-Beryl

[dave]

I agree with abe, well said "we all do this without even realizing we do this at home" Thanks GregP and Beryl for more clarification.

[Carly]

Even though at home, I think that I am "multi-tasking"....my family would say that I am "distracted". Hence the smoke alarm test that you mentioned. I am cooking, doing laundry and making lunches at the same time. Someone inevitably ends up with extra treats and no fruit in their lunch. The clothes in the washer are forgotten as are the ones in the dryer. As for dinner, there are the veggies or salad that I forgot to serve. Maybe I'm not a multi-tasking personality. Or maybe I pick the wrong tasks to juggle.

Carly

[Abe]

Carly,

I think we can all multi task, it just depends on how many things you want to tackle and how you keep track of it. Try reducing the number to three or a manageable number. My advise will be to start small and as you get better with say two or three tasks at a time then add one. You will know what your limits are automatically. Also for projects that need planning, perhaps using a checklist also helps to keep track of what has to be done in a step by step basis. Also try using a time block system where you assign each task a time frame and divide those tasks based on the time alloted or the time they will take to completed using a checklist. Hope this idea helps you.

Originally Posted by Carly

Even though at home, I think that I am "multi-tasking"....my family would say that I am "distracted". Hence the smoke alarm test that you mentioned. I am cooking, doing laundry and making lunches at the same time. Someone inevitably ends up with extra treats and no fruit in their lunch. The clothes in the washer are forgotten as are the ones in the dryer. As for dinner, there are the veggies or salad that I forgot to serve. Maybe I'm not a multi-tasking personality. Or maybe I pick the wrong tasks to juggle.

Carly