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.