It’s Possible to Multi-Manage, Not Multi-Task

“No one can multi-task, but we can all multi-manage.”

Multi-tasking is a myth that’s been debunked by neuroscience. We know that it’s impossible to focus on more than one thing at a time, even thought it’s still a favorite expression. I’m guilty of saying it, even though I know I’m not actually doing five things right now.

Recently, it occurred to me that what I am doing is multi-managing. I have multiple projects going simultaneously, I have staff reporting to me, independent contractors working for me, partners and collaborators in other departments gathering information for me. I’m a multi-manager.

In reality, I might not be able to do more than one task at a time, but I can have multiple projects in various stages of completion operating at the same time. In fact, I manage a lot of things all the time, that’s my job! And, that’s what I do all day long.

Some might call this being a project manager, but I think that’s only if you’re overseeing one project. People who supervise a lot of things are multi-managers.

It’s time to let go of old nomenclature. We are not multi-taskers. Instead, welcome a new moniker and become a Master Multi-Manager.

Sarabeth Berk, Ph.D.

Written by

Innovation Strategist, Design Thinker, Ecosystem Builder, #MoreThanMyTitle #HybridProfessional Day job- Futurebound Director

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