Instincts Versus Institution, Which Works Best in Business
December 25, 2024
Wearing a heavy overcoat, scarf and gloves, Nikki made her way through the brisk Northeast weather and the flood of holiday shoppers to the company’s monthly networking mixer. She noticed two of her colleagues at their usual table. Everybody exchanged friendly hugs.
“Hey team. Man, it’s getting colder outside! Feels like snow is right around the corner.” Nikki commented.
“I know right? James and I were just talking about the lunch and learn from yesterday. Great discussion about multi-tasking. Kinda seems like everyone claims to be great at multi-tasking these days, but does it actually work?” Felicia asked.
“Oh, I consider myself a true multi-tasker, and I get a lot more done during the day. I mean, I handle emails while on conference calls and even manage to catch up on reports. I’d say it works.” James commented.
“Does it though?” Nikki asked. “It FEELS like you’re being productive… I used to think multi-tasking was the way to go, but I’ve realized I’m way more effective when I focus on one thing at a time. I try to handle one project fully before moving to the next. It keeps my head clear.”
“I can totally relate,” said Felicia. “I’ve recently started single tasking to see if there was a difference. I feel like I’ve been coming up with better ideas, and my creativity seems to flow more freely.”
“But how do you guys handle all your work? You know, if I don’t multi-task, I feel like I’m always behind. There’s always so much to do,” James explained.
“Good point, but I think it’s about prioritization. I plan my day and allocate dedicated time for focused work. I will however, multi-task for quick tasks like responding to emails.” Nikki noted.
“Now that makes sense,” Felicia agreed.
“I set specific blocks of time for deep work. Have you tried that, James? Maybe schedule an hour for concentrated efforts, then check emails for 15 minutes afterward?”
“Hmmm, that’s interesting,” James pondered. “I guess I’ve never really tried that structured approach before. All the successful people I’ve ever read about seemed to always be busy. I just thought it was synonymous with being successful.”
“It’s a common misconception,” Nikki remarked. “Research shows that multi-tasking can lead to reduced productivity, up to 30% according to some studies. The truth is, when you multi-task, your brain has to switch gears constantly, which decreases your overall efficiency.”
“Wow, I didn’t realize it was that significant,” pondered James. “Now that I think about it, I remember when I was in full-on multi-task mode last month. I forgot to send an important proposal because I was bouncing between tasks. Not my finest moment.”
“It can happen to any of us,” Felicia reassured him.
“See that’s the thing,” Nikki restated. “I’ve had things fall off my radar in the past. I was trying to do too much at once. When you multi-task, you feel like you’re in control—like you’ve got everything covered.”
“I used to feel the say way, James. Think about it; you’re doing a lot, but how much of it is high-quality work, like ready to deliver to clients? When I started to focus on one project from start to finish, I found that I had fewer mistakes and cut down on the number of revisions. I know Nikki can appreciate that,” laughed Felicia, glancing at her former department manager. “Plus, I feel less stressed out.”
James spoke up. “Okay, you guys are making some great points. Maybe I should give single-tasking a shot. I just need to change my mindset and focus on what really needs to get done first.”
“Definitely! Try prioritizing your high-value tasks and see how you feel afterward. You might find that you complete them faster and with better results,” noted Felicia.
“And if you find you can’t resist the urge to multi-task, consider using timers. Set a timer on your phone for big tasks and challenge yourself to stay focused. It’s amazing how much you can get done in 30 to 45 minutes,” assured Nikki.
“Timer challenge, huh? I can rock with that. It could be fun and competitive! In the meantime, I’ll keep doing my quick tasks separately,” noted James.
“Sounds like a plan! We can all hold each other accountable. Let’s keep this conversation going and see how things work out. We’re all in this together! One Team One Fight!” Felicia exclaimed.
As they all finished their deserts and coffee, it’s clear that they came up a game plan to help James be more productive. Everyone has their own work style, but by sharing experiences and strategies, they can support one another on the path to improved focus and efficiency.
