Episode 9: Why Is Multitasking Unproductive?
We hope you enjoyed the ninth episode of the Back To Business podcast! This week we talked about multitasking. As such a buzzword and characteristic that we would probably be likely to add to our CVs, is multitasking actually beneficial for your productivity?
We would argue, probably not. Here’s the main points we covered:
When starting a new business, it’s likely that you will need to multitask, especially if you’re going into business on your own.
Use productivity tools like Asana or Monday to help you prioritise what is important, and put an order to your thoughts, so that when you dip in and out of different projects, you know directly what needs to be done.
The book The One Thing, looks at productivity. Don’t focus on many different tasks. It is also estimated that 1/3 of your time is spent recovering from multitasking and refocusing on the new task.
Look at computer processors. A program that consumes a lot of memory causes your computer to be slow at fulfilling tasks it may usually find easy.
If a pilot or surgeon were to multitask, you might be in trouble!
Even simple multitasking can go awry, we use the example of watching TV while ironing. While distracted you may forget to iron the sleeve of your shirt - it’s happened to us!
In your work and business, you need attention to detail. So treat every task as if it’s high priority, and allocate individual time to each task.
If you feel you need to multitask, accept there will be a lag time in your tasks and that they will take slightly longer.
Outsourcing: don’t spend a huge amount of time doing something that someone else could do much faster, so outsource if you feel you don’t have the time to spend.
Automate tasks that waste precious time or that may be susceptible to human error if you have to do it - we like the tool Zapier for this.
Write a priority list the night before, or the morning of your day, and try to get your high priority tasks done and dusted first.
Cut out bad behaviours: if you get distracted by watching Netflix or being on your phone, the book Atomic Habits focuses on trying to help you implement new behaviours and cut out bad ones. For example, working with your phone in another room may involve then too much effort to get up and get it - equally if your TV is distracting, unplug it or put it in a cupboard after each use. You may find the effort level to get it out of the cupboard and set it up is not something you feel like doing.
Social media may need to be used for your work, but knowing why you’re on there and what you’re doing is important to not get distracted. Even with that in mind it’s very difficult. Social media often use gambling tactics to get you hooked - the scroll down for more content is akin to a fruit machine handle, which when you pull down offers the chance of a prize.
Eliminate people on your social media who don’t give you value.The resources we discussed in today’s podcast were:
The One Thing by Gary Keller: https://tinyurl.com/sh787pz
Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://tinyurl.com/ufp8ewz
Zapier: https://zapier.com/home
Productivity Managers: asana.com or monday.comBack To Business is a podcast documenting our own navigation through the business world, and where we have come from as a team. We’d like to bring you along for the ride, so don’t forget to hit the subscribe button to stay up to date with the latest episodes, available every week.
