Orleans Weekly Journal
Published: Friday, January 18, 2008 

Multitasking your way to the grave

It’s time to challenge modern wisdom. My self-imposed half-year sabbatical from the world of politics and work yielded a personal epiphany: multitasking is a myth; multitasking is counterproductive; and multitasking is unprofessional, period.  Watch any Caribbean bartender (as I did in Mexico) and life’s productivity lessons are laid bare for all to see, take one order and one drink at a time, pour or mix them well, task complete, smile widely and move to the next tourist por favor y gracias.

I’m not referring to listening to the radio while driving nor am I questioning one’s ability to do laundry, make dinner and catch up with ‘sis in Toronto on the phone at the same time; these are examples of “tending” to various functions through autonomic skills or with the aid of technology. Multitasking for me is the snake oil sold by productivity charlatans of trying to answer emails, finish that PowerPoint deck and listen in on a conference call simultaneously.

Studies have convincingly shown that trying to complete multiple tasks at the same time, which require concentration, judgment and analytical process, take longer than if you were to simply focus on writing your report first, participate on the conference call second and finish that presentation deck afterward. As an added bonus, focusing on the proverbial task at hand, completing it and then moving on to the next pressing item on your to-do list keeps stress levels and blood pressure in check. In other words, multitasking equals a quicker march to a coronary inspired casket.

Now you might think Robinson is off his rocker, has been practicing a little too much yoga and plans to vote NDP next election. Rest assured, I’m still that acerbic, up-tight and true blue guy, just a little wiser (and grayer) these days.

We need to look no further than the most successful folks in industry, politics, the not-for-profit sector or the bowels of government for proof of my maxim. These folks share a common trait… they are focused on the priority of the moment, minute or hour and they refuse to let themselves be interrupted and sidetracked by the trivial.

Of course, that Blackberry buzzing on your belt, the cell phone ringing in your gym bag and your watch beeping to remind you to take your meds doesn’t help matters. Nor does a schedule that says pick up Jean-Emanuel at the Hornets’ Nest in Blackburn Hamlet at 5 p.m. and then get Cindy from hockey at Ray Friel at 5:03 p.m.

However, as a society, and for the example we are setting for our kids, it’s time to take a deep breath and re-examine how we work and live. And again, I’m not advocating a three-day work week (although that would be nice) or hemp clothing here, we just need to slow down a bit and do one thing at a time.

Try it, you’ll feel better, fret less and accomplish more. As for multitasking, R.I.P.