An article on yesterday’s CNN discusses the findings that multi-tasking is dangerous. The premise is that those that multitask are easily distracted by minor pieces of information.  People lose focus and become less effective. In some cases this can be dangerous (eg. driving).

A book titled Fast Innovation by The George Group presents the idea that people that switch between projects take longer to get all the projects done than those that focus on one project at a time. The typical switching cost is about 20 minutes every time you switch. Going from project A to project B takes up 20 minutes of time refocusing on a new project.

Why do people multitask?

1. Is it a lack of being able to prioritize which should get done first?
2. Is it a lack of getting buyin from others as to which projects should get priority?
3. Is it a sign of ADHD/ADD that is becoming more prevalent in our society?
4. Is it because people look more at how many things you get done rather than the quality of the finished work or the timeliness?

I think it is a combination of all three. This definitely affects a startup in how they get things done. Investors look at the momentum of a startup not the number of things they get done. If a startup does one thing that makes them a million dollars, its better than four things that got them a million dollars (or typically four things that got them a half a million).

Do you multitask? Why? What is your answer to my questions? Is this multitasking really helping you? Can you try to cut down on the multitasking and focus more?

One thing to try: Turn off your email program and open it only four times a day. You might be surprised by the results (more productivity). 

Multitasking has gotten out of control and we are losing productivity because of it. Get it under control and increase your productivity.