The multitasking myth. Multitasking is exactly what it sounds like, trying to do more than one thing at a time. Many of us multitask throughout the day, listening to a colleague while checking email, working on a document while talking on the phone. We have the idea that we get more done when we multitask or that this is the best way to maximize our time. However, studies show that 30 to 40% more time is spent when you multitask rather than when you mono-task, work on one thing at a time. Multitasking also means your attention is divided, which can lead to miscommunication and errors. Multitasking can also damage relationships as it may convey that we are not really interested in what another is saying. It can be difficult to break the multitasking habit, but it is key if we are to be the best we can be.
