Multitasking is not for everyone. A lot of people think that they are multitasking when all they're doing is making more work. When we multitask we need to take into consideration time management. We also need to have the ability to actually focus with intensity on each task equally. Many people think they can do it, but all too often we are met with a person who is making a mess of things in the name of multitasking. When we try to do too many things at once, we fail to embrace a more complete picture of our situation. In business this can be most damaging. My advice has always been that if you can't manage your time efficiently enough to give each person and each project your complete attention then don't try to multitask. Give your all to each call.
An example of poor multitasking is the person who is talking to you on the phone but thinks you are unaware that they know you are hardly paying attention because you are mostly staring at a computer screen, a smartphone or a tablet doing double duty next to it. Meanwhile, all they hear on their end of the line is long pauses filled with "hmmm....yes....OK....aha...." while you try to remember what you wanted to say. They then ask you to repeat it to them.
Time is money, people, and if you want to accumulate it then stop multitasking because the bottom one is you are not getting the full 411 and the caller knows you are not paying attention.
That is not good for relations and it says a lot about your work ethic or lack thereof, not to mention the fact that it shows disrespect on your part.
Now, I do realize that it is difficult to stop people from walking and chewing gum at the same time whether they are capable of it or not. But there are things you can do to making your time more valuable through each task so that you create success in each endeavor. Additionally, it will cut down your stress factor.
- Create a Telephone Call Log and schedule a time limit for the connection. Make your calls or meetings with time that is slotted for your undivided attention.
- Don't answer emails or texts from other people while handling, or do anything other than what pertains to your connection.
- Keep your focus because any distraction will take you off your game and most likely slow down your progress.