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The Multitasking Myth
It was reported last month that Dr. Frank Ryan, plastic surgeon to the stars, tweeted himself off a cliff. Recently, many states have passed laws regarding distracted driving. Some states have outlawed cell phone use in cars. At least one state outlawed teenage drivers from transporting teenage passengers for the first six months they drive. We all understand why, as distracted driving leads to mistakes. Yet, we see drivers talking on the phone, eating an egg McMuffin, and shaving as they pass you on the freeway! Multitasking diminishes the attention we pay to each task, while compounding the opportunity for mistakes. It does not work.
Obviously, multitasking does not play well with driving, but what about other tasks? Is it as obvious? In my opinion, multitasking does not work, but regardless (think flat earth society), scientific research supports this conclusion. Matt Richtel, the Pulitzer Prize-winning tech writer for The New York Times states, “While many people say multitasking makes them more productive, research shows otherwise. Heavy multitaskers actually have more trouble focusing and shutting out irrelevant information, scientists say, and they experience more stress.”
Are we getting stupider?
In an interview with Terri Gross of NPR’s Fresh Air, Richtel continues, “When you check your information, when you get a buzz in your pocket, when you get a ring — you get what they call a dopamine squirt. You get a little rush of adrenaline.” Richtel states, “Well, guess what happens in its absence? You feel bored. You’re conditioned by a neurological response: ‘check me, check me, check me, check me.’”
The Wall Street Journal’s Sue Shellenberger quotes in her article, “Multitasking Makes You Stupid” — “People who multitask are actually less efficient than those who focus on one project at a time.” Sometimes you have to multitask, right? Yes, but maybe not as often as you think. Before you attempt simultaneous tasks, stop and consider you are almost certainly diminishing both. Try this: Instead of multitasking — defined as attempting two or more activities simultaneously — complete one activity at a time. When you concentrate on one activity at a time, each activity will be improved.
What About Multitasking at Home With Dinner, Laundry, and a Toddler?
According to Dr. David Meyer, head of cognitive studies at the University of Michigan, “Some kinds of multitasking just don’t work very well. If the tasks require the same parts of the brain, such as two assignments that both draw on language skills, it’s going to be extremely hard to succeed efficiently. Listening for a child playing in the next room, while talking to your boss by phone, for instance, creates conflicting auditory-processing demands. How about sorting junk mail and listening to your child? We all do that, but we’re short-changing the child.” Can multitasking at home be reduced? I know, at least for me, I can accomplish more and do better when I concentrate on one task at a time. When I attempt to weed the garden and mow at the same time, I do a crappy job of weeding, mowing, or both. Of course, a stay-at-home parent may have a different view of multitasking. I do not have a toddler under foot and a five-year-old asking me, “why?” every two minutes, so I am unqualified to offer that advice. What advice can you share with the stay-at-home or working parent? How has multitasking worked or not worked for you?
One more Thing… Yes, The tweet Wall Was Distracting
My favorite tweet wall post at the recent highly informative BIN2010 Conference was, “this tweet wall is distracting me.” As much as I tried, I was distracted — and I observed others who did not have their full attention on the prez. Not only was the audience distracted, but the presenters were distracted, as well. Maybe it’s only the ADHD, but I’d like to know, do tweet walls distract you? Mr. Dorsey, tear down this wall!
BIN2010
Nancy Jarial, our Marketing Manager, called me this morning and asked, “What do you think about a blog post on the BIN2010 conference?” Of course I heard, “We need a post on BIN2010, RIGHT NOW!” I said, “Sure… let me squeeze that into my to-do list, it’s only three pages long.” But she heard, “I’ll get right on it, Nancy!” So… I got right on it.
What’s Age Got To Do With It?
Paul Poteet (@PaulPoteet) began his keynote address by stating he was the “oldest person in the room.” Paul, you were definitely not. I have shoes older than the average age of the audience in that auditorium. My wife asked how it went, and I told her it was a blast being with some of the best and brightest young people I could imagine. Does social networking transcend generations? Is it appropriate for a boomer to friend a millennial? I hope so. I hope we can get past any generational prejudices (well, I’m old, so I’d think that) and base relationships on similarities not dissimilarities. Okay… enough rambling.
Spinning With Ideas
Paul Poteet was HILARIOUS and informative. I hope everyone absorbed the lesson he put into action about having a back-up plan on stage, at work, or in life. Kyle Lacy (@kyleplacy) not only has the content (we all know that), he’s also a master at leading an audience with open-ended questions. Jason Falls’s (@JasonFalls) presentation, “The Art of Conversation,” gave concrete ideas on how to attract, rather than promote. I applaud Jason for the courage to share his own personal inappropriate posting experiences. Jeremy Dearringer’s (@Slingshot_SEO) discussion focused on search reputation by, among other actions, focusing on customer service. Customer service is near and dear to my heart. I had the privilege of mentoring and guiding Unique Home Solutions, an organization that developed the most award-winning service in the US, within an industry not known for service. If Bruce McClain (@sbh_bruce) from Scotty’s BrewHouse (@brewhouse) had not told us he was “filling in,” we would not have known.
Wish I Could’ve Gone To Them All
You rock, Rocky (and so did everyone else)! Rocky Walls (@RockyWalls) not only offered an entertaining, value filled presentation, he made it easy and comfortable to participate. From Erik Deckers(@edeckers), I have four pages of notes (yes, you can tell the old guy at BIN2010 by the pen and paper). Tricia Meyer (@sunshinetricia) put more content into an hour than I thought possible — she has a great personality. Carissa Newton (@fullcirclec) gave me the ammunition I needed to look at our team and say, “blog five days a week!” And what a great story Heather Sokol (@JustHeather) shared about her media and blogging experience — talk about leveraging opportunity. The burlesque-ing Chuck Gose (@chuckgose) got my attention with, “If you are bored writing it, imagine what it’s like on the readers’ end!” (Crap… I hope this is not boring.)
Face-To-Face Social Interaction Is Not Overrated!
While attending BIN2010 with Lindsey Richardt (@LindseyUHS) and Greg McMullen (@mcmullen_greg) from Unique Home Solutions, I had a great time chatting with Jon Bausman (@JonBausman) from Rickers Oil (@RickerStores), Kevin Mullett (@kmullett) from Cirrus ABS (@cirrusabs), and Jeremy Williams(@jeremyawilliams) with The Indiana Office of Tourism (@VisitIndiana). Also, it was too cool speaking with Amy Magan from 4th Frog Blog (@4thfrog) and Lindsay Manfredi (@LindsayManfredi) of Neon Love Life (@NeonLoveLife) (although brief, as I had no sleep — my band, Under The Radar, played at John Wayne’s Pub, Friday night). Check out Lindsay’s band at IndyFringe (@IndyFringe) on Thursday, August 26th.
I’m excited about following up on the seminars I did not attend — check out the slides! Thank you, BIN2010, for a head spinning, idea inspiring, information gathering, millennial confirming, networking event!
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