Multitasking is a myth. And we are poorer for trying to do it.

The research shows that we have less productivity, more stress, diminished creativity,  and poorer relationships when we try to do many things at once. And yet, in a hyper-connected world, we can often feel like we have no other choice.

And yet, if we honored how are brains are designed, we would see that singletasking is the answer. That is the message and the research that Devora Zack, author of Singletasking: Get More Done -- One Thing at a Time, wants you to hear. And she gives practical tips about how to do it even in the most frenetic of moments.

Devora is the author of two previous books, Networking for People Who Hate Networking and Managing for People Who Hate Managing, and CEO of Only Connect Consulting. She’s worked with clients at Cornell University, London Business School, and Deloitte, and is a visiting faculty member at Cornell University. Her work has been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, and the Wall Street Journal.

In this interview, we talk about:

The myth of multitasking

How single tasking ups our productivity and creativity and state of flow

Using time shifting to avoid a multitasking mindset

The price we pay for multitasking

The fact that excessive media multitaskers have trouble remembering

Why single tasking requires us to commit to a choice

Tips for starting small with single tasking

The three different ways most of us make sense of the world and why they matter

How accessibility and our need to please can prevent us from single tasking

Why single tasking lets us bring the best version of ourselves to what we do

The fact that some prefer to shock themselves than sit in silence

How device-free staff meetings can increase focus and productivity

A great tip for being more fully present with friends and family

Ways to build fences to prevent interruptions before they occur

The power of cluster tasking with tasks we do daily

What we can do and say when colleagues interrupt us

Tips for open plan offices and colleague interruptions

What team members think and feel about leaders who single task

The connection between happiness and single tasking

Episode Links

@Devora_Zack

http://www.myonlyconnect.com/

Deep Work by Cal Newport

People Prefer Electric Shocks to Being Alone with Their Thoughts

Slow Reading Club

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