Multi-tasking – reading mail while in a meeting, responding to the ping of an instant message while proofing a document or writing a strategy, proofing a document while watching television – doesn’t work. It’s mentally fatiguing and recovery time between task is insanely high.
This infographic shows The High Cost of Multitasking
In my own work I have discovered that it’s one thing to know this and one thing to take action against it. Experts recommend time blocks set out for active questions from colleagues and others working on projects with or for you (“office hours”). I’m experimenting with finding a quiet place to write and to proof (not at my PC) which seems to work well. It’s the 21st century struggle!
