Mastering Multitasking- you may be closer than you think
As defined in a previous post, multitasking is doing multiple tasks that are related to the same outcome. Examples of multitasking include but are not limited to driving a car and cooking a meal. Many people multitask on a regular basis and aren’t even aware of it. Their ability to multitask is a talent as defined by Webster’s dictionary — “any natural ability or power”. Many people aren’t aware of their ability to multitask because they are simply thinking of switch tasking — doing multiple different tasks that aren’t directly related to the same outcome. Multitasking is a more preferred skill over switch tasking for employers because the brain can’t process more than two complex tasks. With that being said, in switch tasking, there is a greater risk of making mistakes and not getting the job done.
Practicing Multitasking
I know how to drive and I know how to cook. Being able to do these two tasks that require you to multitask, I believe it’s safe to say that I am indeed a multitasker. The question is how do I take this already mastered skill and use it effectively in the workplace? In the workplace it’s important to identify all the things you need to get done. Once these tasks are identified then you simply need to divide your time. In dividing your time make sure to prioritize which tasks need to be completed before others. Also, create a deadline for yourself but do not become frightened. This deadline is just a challenge to see how much time you’ve lost and how long you were able to maintain your focus. When this step is complete you can begin working on each task. The most important thing to note before you begin to start working is to not lose your focus. Once your focus is lost it not only becomes difficult to gain it back ,but you’ve lost time that you cannot get back and now your productivity falls.
I plan to follow these exact same steps this weekend and will discuss my findings in my next blog post.
