We work hard every day to check boxes off our to do lists, but what if all that work is merely an illusion of progress. Maybe if you could only multitask.
It depends on if it’s an in person or remote environment. If it’s a remote environment I say shut down email, texts and Slack for that focus time. If they really need you, they can call.
If it’s an office environment it’s more challenging. Putting on headphones, closing a door or going in a conference room often works. Telling people who interrupt that “I just need until X o’clock” is another way.
This is spot on and I've been trying to convince some of my staff this exact thing. I may just need to share this post with them so they recognize it's true, multitasking is a farce. Thanks for supporting my viewpoint LOL
What struck me here is the link between Global Workspace Theory and how organizations set strategy. Companies often insist on 10 “top priorities” at once, which in practice means none of them are truly priorities. We fall into the trap of confusing motion with progress.
A few years back, someone did an experiment with people who believed they were great at multitasking while driving. Self-perception did not match reality. Afterward, they were shown a recording of how they drove and were surprised to find out they drove unsafely and did not pay attention to road signs, pedestrians, etc. Dangerous. In other words, don't believe everything you tell yourself. LOL
Love the juggling metaphor—especially the point that priority means ‘one.’
One suggestion: teams often face reactive interrupts. Any tips for defending that 1-hour focus block in high-interrupt environments?
It depends on if it’s an in person or remote environment. If it’s a remote environment I say shut down email, texts and Slack for that focus time. If they really need you, they can call.
If it’s an office environment it’s more challenging. Putting on headphones, closing a door or going in a conference room often works. Telling people who interrupt that “I just need until X o’clock” is another way.
A sign on the door is good too.
You have any other ideas?
This is spot on and I've been trying to convince some of my staff this exact thing. I may just need to share this post with them so they recognize it's true, multitasking is a farce. Thanks for supporting my viewpoint LOL
Haha. Please feel free to share with them.
Then have them subscribe. Then we can do a group session where you and I can jointly slap them upside their head.
What struck me here is the link between Global Workspace Theory and how organizations set strategy. Companies often insist on 10 “top priorities” at once, which in practice means none of them are truly priorities. We fall into the trap of confusing motion with progress.
I’m smiling reading this, William. I often say to my clients “if everything is a priority than nothing is a priority”.
This applies to individuals to. If your goal is to do everything, you’ll end up with nothing.
A few years back, someone did an experiment with people who believed they were great at multitasking while driving. Self-perception did not match reality. Afterward, they were shown a recording of how they drove and were surprised to find out they drove unsafely and did not pay attention to road signs, pedestrians, etc. Dangerous. In other words, don't believe everything you tell yourself. LOL