And just one more thing
Multitasking. It’s the name of the game these days, in work and in leisure. Folks check blackberries or laptops during meetings, or watch t.v. while reading a book. Yet multitasking doesn’t seem to do what it purports to do–let us get more done in less time. There are good arguments to be made for the fact that is really slows us down.
I won’t answer the phone if I’m in the middle of something. I don’t check my email often if I am working on a deadline. I try not to let myself get distracted by the internet when I’m working on something best done uninterrupted. And I’ve been disparaged for all of these things by folks who don’t understand that I like to do one thing at a time.
Perhaps now I’ve been vindicated? The November issue of the Atlantic includes a fabulous essay on multitasking (full access only for subscribers) and how efficient it really isn’t. Just make sure to turn off the t.v. (and blackberry, phone, email alert) when you read it. Oh, and pull the car over and stop.