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Post by pellirf22 on Apr 14, 2014 4:19:43 GMT -6
TITLE- Work Smart: Stop Multitasking and Start Doing One Thing Really Well
Multitasking decreases task performance. I am a terrible at multitasking and it is reassuring to know that this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. When I focus and center myself on one thing I usually perform well and as managers I think this message is often overlooked. Too much multitasking can negatively influence overall performance. So although switching back and fourth between tasks may at times be necessary, focusing on individual tasks, when possible, is ideal for optimal effectiveness.
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Post by bmcgarry13 on Apr 14, 2014 18:25:08 GMT -6
I would agree there is a difference between true multitasking and juggling. Juggling happens when you fool yourself into believing your multitasking, but you're really not. Juggling is when you keep switching gears between two objectives, requiring individual attention, which need completing. The result is a slowing of completion and decreased quality. For these reasons, it is important to evaluate multitasking to make sure you are not falling victim to juggling! I believe some people fall victim to juggling because of work pressures. For example, work can require you to complete objectives in an order and way which might not be optimal.
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Post by kati3 on Apr 15, 2014 13:51:06 GMT -6
Im a big multitasker so this video wasnt my favorite. I do agree that sometimes multitasking creates distractions, but I find that when I am multitasking its usually juggling similar things so I dont find distraction an issue. I could see how it might be an issue for other people.
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Post by sdoescher on Apr 24, 2014 17:59:01 GMT -6
I enjoyed this video. It accurately shows how multitasking while fine for simple things, doesn’t work for task that require a more serious train of thought. If the goal is to complete task in the shortest amount of time possible then multi-tasking should not be included in one’s work routine. Rather, as the video states we should focus on one thing at a time and allow our brains to maintain our train of thought.
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Post by meganlynch on Apr 29, 2014 22:14:54 GMT -6
I found this is very applicable to my job as a server. I try to do several things at once, such as taking someones order while looking at my other table to see if there is anything they need. Usually it works, but when there is a lot going on I sometimes need to ask my table again what they just told me. If I am not focusing on the task at hand, I will not do it to the best of my ability. Though multitasking can be good and speed up the process, there are somethings that need full attention or they will not be done correctly.
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Post by kaitlyncampbell on May 1, 2014 12:05:33 GMT -6
I do believe that this is great advice. Multitasking can sometimes be a bigger set back because you half way do multiple things vs. getting a couple things done 100%. I am guilty of trying to take on multiple things at once because I am a control freak when it comes to getting important things done so I like to get them done myself. I do agree though that taking on one task at a time is a lot more effective than juggle multiple task at once. I will definitely be doing a better job at this once I graduate and can work only one job instead of three. lol
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Post by amandayoung3231 on May 2, 2014 9:27:28 GMT -6
I need to take this advice. We live in a world with many distractions. It is easy to just stop what you are doing to answer you phone or email. I always just think, it will only take a second and I do not want to forget about it.
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Post by lmoore on May 2, 2014 16:13:03 GMT -6
To get things done faster, do one thing at a time. It costs more time rather than saving time when multitasking. When juggling many things, work suffers and takes longer. It is more effective to finish bigger and important things then worry about emails once that task is complete.
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Post by mwinner123 on May 2, 2014 18:14:03 GMT -6
I've always thought that I was good at multi-tasking, but quickly figured out that my work and quality diminished very fast. I completely agree that it takes around 25 minutes for your mind to get back on track when it has lost its train of thought. In the business world, these minutes can account for a very large amount of business lost. When we are focusing on different tasks around us and different projects, we need to ensure that we eliminate any distractions that could take our mind off of the task at hand. By doing this, we can ensure that we are moving much faster with our projects and are accomplishing them with much higher quality than before.
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Post by robertnicholson on May 3, 2014 10:35:54 GMT -6
i have always used multitasking when one of the task is taking time on its own in the completion process. For instance if the task involves downloading a large computer file which will take up too or around an hour. But when it is just one task i do it all the way through.
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Post by racheleperes on May 3, 2014 12:32:00 GMT -6
This is one thing that I've always known; that multi-tasking at work makes you less productive. I also find this to be the #1 thing that bosses do not understand. At a former place of employment, I managed myself to where I worked on one task at a time so that I was more productive all-in-all through the day. My former boss never understood why I did that and would always yell at me for not doing what he asked, when in actuality I was doing what he asked, just at a different time.
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Post by kourtneyb on May 4, 2014 16:27:53 GMT -6
I have done this myself. Sometimes I will try to talk on the phone as well as working on an assignment and I will pause many times because I cannot focus on what I m going to write. Its human nature to think that we can tackle everything at once and the sad truth is we cant. Many times trying to multitasks causes additional problems. It may be hard but it is important to handle one thing at a time.
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Post by kelseywatson on May 5, 2014 13:56:36 GMT -6
Multitasking is okay as long as you are just doing something such as exercising while listening to music. You can handle more than one task at one time as long as it doesn't affect you negatively. It can negatively affect you if you are juggling. Whenever you are trying to get something done such as a paper, it can negatively affect you if you are texting someone while you are doing it. This doesn't have as little harm to us as it would be to exercise while listening to music.
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Post by allisonschex on May 5, 2014 14:03:04 GMT -6
This video is easier said than done, it is difficult to just focus on one thing at a time when you have so much going on. I do agree that it would be beneficial to work on one thing without having other distractions because it will allow that one task to get done quicker and better. Multitasking isn't as productive because it's always stop go, stop, go.
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Post by Jessica Aucoin on May 5, 2014 20:17:11 GMT -6
This video is so relatable. I honestly attempt to watch TV when I do any kind of non-study work and it can be so distracting. Sometimes, I’ll only get one assignment done when I really could have done two or three. When I really need to single task, I will go to the computer lab in Garrett and just shut everything out. It helps me get my work done quickly and efficiently.
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