The Myth of Multitasking, 2nd Edition: How “Doing It All” Gets Nothing Done

The Myth of Multitasking, 2nd Edition: How “Doing It All” Gets Nothing Done by Dave Crenshaw

Multitasking is usually just "switch-tasking". We work on one task for a bit, then switch to another. Then switch back. There are costs involved in switching. The end result is that we end up accomplishing much less than if we just focussed on a single task for a period of time. This is exactly what "multi-tasking" computers were set up to do. They provide the illusion of working on many different things, but are really just switching from task to task. Alas, when the term came to use in humans, people got the idea that they really could accomplish multiple things at once. Instead, things are just slowed down. The multi-tasking environment also has negative personal impacts. We may think we can give people attention while doing other things, but we really can't and others can tell. It is faster and better to focus on a single task at a time and give people full attention. (But how does that work if something is really boring?) The book is told in a story of a consultant that comes and helps a worm out multitasking boss to work more efficient and bring efficiencies to her company. It is a short and efficient book that clearly brings home the point.

The Secret History of Food: Strange but True Stories About the Origins of Everything We Eat

The Secret History of Food: Strange but True Stories About the Origins of Everything We Eat by Matt Siegel

I was expecting more from this food book. It didn't come close to covering "everything" and most of the stories were fairly pedestrian. Peppers make chemicals to keep us away. However, we are attracted to them and bread them to be even hotter. Corn once had a very strong husk that was bread away. Natives would use corn, squash and beans together to get full nutrition and help the soil. We have focussed on corn alone and throw chemicals on our soil (and need to supplement nutrition.) Corn is in seemingly everything we eat. There were other lesser known stories about food, but they did not stick out well. The book tried to have a hard, hip tone, but it just came off as ridiculous. There are better food books.

Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making

In the tradition of business leaders everywhere, Tony Fadell wrote a book describing how he succeeded. There were things that worked for him. He was able to launch the iPhone and iPod as well as lead Nest before it was acquired by Google. Those are key roles at a couple big FANG companies, so he must have good advice, right?

The advice he gives boils down to "do what you like and don't be afraid to fail." The book is structured with many small standalone sections, though the narrative provides a roughly chronological story of his career. He moved around a lot as a kid. He got involved with computers and BBS's before the internet. He worked at small tech startups trying to make the next big thing. Companies often failed because they didn't know who they were building things for or how they would be sold. He had a desire to make a better music listening experience. Things didn't work out, but he eventually landed at Apple and launched the iPod into existence. There were many design decisions involved in the evolution. (It seems like there was also a good deal of luck in the process. If things went slightly different ways, the whole project could have been torpedoed.)

The iPhone launch was the next big challenge he worked on. He also struggled with big company politics. He was ready to leave because of a bad boss, but eventually got the promotion he wanted (over the boss's objections) and stayed a while longer. He later went to Nest and had a lean culture. He is in favor of treating employees well, but not being overly focussed on perks. There are also many additional nuggets. People have more appreciation for things they need to pay for. Junior employees and more experienced employees all play a roll in an organization. It is great to take risks when you are young, on your own and free to make your own decisions. It becomes more challenging as you have more responsibility. Leadership roles come naturally to some people. However, individual contributors also play an important role.