The QLog

Productivity 101 (Day 20): Parallel Tasking

Question: Can you chew gum and walk at the same time?

The problem with multitasking is that the human brain can not do certain things at the exact same time and able to fully process the information. For example, one could try to read a book and watch TV at the exact same time; however, instead of comprehending both inputs fully, one ends up either paying attention to the book or focusing on the television. As a result, neither is completed very well and time is wasted when shifting from one activity (the book) to the other one (the TV) and visa versa.

Yet, you CAN combine some tasks without diminishing your effectiveness or wasting time. The classic example would be chewing gum and walking. There are some ways that you can focus on several items concurrently. I call this strategy parallel tasking.

Here are some examples:

·          walking and listening to an audio program

·          traveling on an airplane and completing administrative tasks

·          waiting in the doctor’s office and reading a book

·          eating breakfast and having a meeting

The big advantage of parallel tasking is it does not encounter the ‘time cost’ of so-called multitasking as there is no switching. Both activities occur simultaneously without any confusion or reduced output. For example, the time spent waiting in the doctor’s office or flying in a plane is going to pass, regardless of what you choose to do. The best option is to take advantage of such moments and make them super productive. It does take some forethought and planning, but it is certainly worth the effort.

Remember: if parallel tasking is not an option due the nature of the tasks, I recommend you follow the serial tasking rules.

Productivity 101 (Day 6): Myth Four, Part 2

Instead of Multitasking, I’d like to propose a better method: Serial Tasking. This is a great way to insure you focus on important, high-level tasks.

The Serial Tasking Rules

1) Before doing anything else, write down a list of all your ‘to dos’ for the day. Include on this list even small items such as checking voice mail, reading email, etc.

2) Review that list and rank all your tasks from the highest priority to lowest priority.

3) If all other things are equal and you have two items on your list that have an equal priority, put the one you dislike first and the more enjoyable activity after it.

4) Start your most important task. Do not stop working on it, especially for minor interruptions like coffee breaks, phone calls, or social visits. The key is to focus only on that one task. If it is possible to do so, complete it before starting anything else on the list. If there is a constraint, focus on this task until you have taken it as far as humanly possible before moving to the next task.

5) Repeat Rule 4 with the very next important task.

                                     
Take the Serial Tasking Challenge!

I dare you to take the Serial Tasking Challenge! Stop being the King or Queen of Multitasking as busyness is not the best solution for business. Serial Tasking will allow you to accomplish more by focusing on the truly important tasks first. If you try these rules for 30 days, I am certain you will become a believer.

Finally, I’d like to thank my friend Jenny for sending me a picture of the ultimate 'Multitasking Throne'. Enjoy.