Attention Men & Women: Is Multitasking a Detriment to Our Productivity?
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That's an interesting question, and the answer you receive will
more than likely be different depending on whom you ask. In my
not-so-humble opinion, my answer is, "It depends."
A copout answer? I don't think so. Here's why:
If studies are correct in implying that women are naturally
gifted in multitasking because our corpus callosum (the part of
the brain that is the "mediator" of sorts, between the left and
right hemispheres) is wider than our male counterparts, why
wouldn't women want to capitalize on that gift? On the other
hand, there's the 2001 study published in the Journal of
Experimental Psychology (Rubinstein, Meyers, & Evans) that
examines the limitations and time costs of multitasking-
particularly when switching between more complex tasks.
Let's take driving as a practical example. While I doubt anyone
would argue the fact that it's not a good idea to try and
manipulate a cell phone while driving, one wonders where we draw
the line. Is it the conversation that's distracting the driver,
or is it that both hands need to be on the wheel, or some
combination? What about conversations between driver and
passenger (so long as they're amicable and do not produce
stress)? Or the radio? Or listening to audio books and courses?
After all, I heard Brian Tracy say to make your car a university
on wheels! I took that advice to heart in the mid-90s!
If you're driving somewhere habitually (e.g., to and from work),
then your unconscious competence kicks in, which could arguably
enable you, for example, to have that pleasant conversation with
your passenger or (if you have a headset piece on) a pleasant
cell phone conversation. And the radio can be quite benign, says
the girl who never drives in silence, regardless of where she's
going!
So while multitasking might not be for everyone, I would argue
that it can be beneficial to some when at least one task taps
into your unconscious competence (i.e., anything that doesn't
take much conscious thought to do successfully-like breathing!) and
does not conflict with another cognitive process. I believe the
odds of successfully accomplishing two simultaneous activities
can increase without a decrease in productivity in either task if
you have a whole brain orientation, rather than one hemisphere
being more dominant than the other.
For example, you could combine doing housework, a physical
activity that is more than likely ingrained (unconscious
competence strikes again!), while learning from audio lessons on
your iPod or CD player-a mental activity. I've successfully
ironed, folded laundry, washed dishes, and gardened, all while
learning tons from various and sundry MP3 classes I've put on my
iPod. A friend of mine just told me his day went by really fast
as he painted his new fence (something he'd rather not do) while
enjoying Paul Simon's latest.
I've even learned about entity structuring and asset protection
while illustrating the children's book I wrote and was engaged in
both activities with no problems. I believe it was because there
was not a cognitive conflict involved.
But you might run into problems with multitasking if you're
trying to carry on a conversation with someone while checking
your email, for example. You're using the same cognition with
these two tasks, and as a result, neither task gets the full
attention it deserves. And the person you're talking to face to
face (or even on the phone) may feel a bit put off.
Some argue that you should start with one task and keep
working on it until you've finished it. That may be natural for
many, but what about those who thrive best by "flitting" between
tasks, even if it's sometimes a purely psychological benefit?
Barbara Sher describes these types of people as "scanners."
In college, when we studied for our exams-especially during
finals week--many of us cyclically spent fixed amounts of time on
each subject to avoid driving ourselves crazy. And I'll be the
first to admit that instrumental music (jazz or classical) was on
while I was studying. My mind would wander in total silence,
otherwise. In fact, I'm listening to contemporary jazz as I write
this article! Listening to music with words I'm familiar with,
however, would pose a problem for me because I would want to sing
along.
I'm certainly not arguing against the power of focus, though.
Heavens no! The power of focus is responsible for all sorts of
wonderful outcomes. We're often in the flow, have clarity, and
lose track of time when the power of focus is doing its job. When
I'm really engaged in a wonderfully insightful book, and
especially when I'm composing and producing my song ideas, I'm
100% present in that process, and no one had better disturb me
while I'm in the throes of that creative outlet!
Then again, notable psychologist, B.F. Skinner believed that many
people miss great opportunities when they adhere to finishing a
preconceived plan when something unexpectedly interesting comes
up. He believed that you should pursue that "something
unexpectedly interesting" to see where it takes you in the name
of accidental creativity.
Alexander Fleming did it when he discovered penicillin from mold,
of all things, that formed when he exposed deadly bacteria he was
studying to air. I've had many bouts of accidental creativity
when I played an unintended chord or musical interval that
sounded cooler than what my mind's ear originally heard.
I've often said that no "one size fits all" strategy exists in
our approach to getting things done. What works for some people
may not work for others. So I encourage you to consider
circumstances, intuition, and discernment as criteria to evaluate
when deciding whether myopia or multitasking is the best route
for you.
For your blended learning pleasure Carol Dickson-Carr has created
a free 30 minute audio that goes into depth on how to increase your
productivity. Visit http://managingpersonalresources.com for
details! Carol makes money using her creativity and helps others
do the same. She is co-author of "A Guide to Getting It: Purpose &
Passion" and creator of an audio series to help you master your time
so you can live your dreams.
Disclaimer: The information presented and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of ArticlePros.com and/or its partners.
