According to Wikipedia Multitasking
is defined as following “In Computing, multitasking is a method where multiple tasks, also known as processes, are performed during the same period of time. In the case of a
computer with a single CPU, only one task is said to be running at any point in time,
meaning that the CPU is actively executing instructions for that task” .
The same holds true for human beings as well. An individual can actually
perform only one task effectively at a given instant of time as long as we
possess a single brain!!!
In my humble opinion, Multitasking in
human beings actually reduces effectiveness especially in the Work environment,
where more and more people take pride in the capability to Multi-task. The reason
can be learnt again from the Computing world. As Multitasking happens, transition
from one task to the next happens through context
switch. For example, say you are busy typing an email when a colleague
drops by your desk .If you start a conversation with him before completing the
email, a Context switch happened from
email to the conversation. It happens again, when you get back to the email, after
the conversation.
Computers are so great with context switching that
they provide us the illusion of working in parallel on Multiple tasks at the
same time. Unfortunately with the human beings, Context switching is an issue.
In the example above, the person would have to regroup his thoughts on the
email and in that process would have lost some efficiency and may even forget
to type an important point. This is because our brain tries to move from one
task to another task. It becomes even more difficult when you are required to two
different tasks which involve different mental faculty such as When you develop
a Project Plan ,when you are suddenly pulled into a meeting.
While I rant about the evils of Multi-tasking, I do
agree that it is here to stay in the wired world we live in .Fortunately, I think there is a solution which again comes from the computing
world…Timesharing. Timesharing refers to the Central Processing Unit of Computer dedicating “a slice or block” of time
to a particular task before moving on to the next. So, even when you are
required to multi-task, give yourself the liberty of dedicating enough time on
the particular task before moving on to the next. The quantum of time slice may vary from person to
person…but for intensive tasks, I would recommend at least half-an-hour of
distraction free time. David Allen, the
productivity guru,of “Getting Things Done” concept calls this as “Vertical
Thinking”.So,think about a problem/task deeply enough and move on to the next and
so on…
So, the next time a colleague comes calling at your
desk when you are typing an important email, ask her if she can wait for some time for you to complete the email or else you would want to get back to her...
Comments
You are absolutely right...multi-tasking works great for mundane tasks... should be harmful for example,something like texting while driving, or typing an email when talking to the missus!!!