Multitasking is essential in the modern business world. There simply isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done if you only check off one task at a time. Productive multitasking is particularly important for the business owner. With so much on your plate, you need to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
To make your multitasking efforts more productive than ever before, check out the four tips below.
To cut down on the number of tasks you need to manage at your desk, make use of those breaks when not at your desk. If you spend an hour or more moving about for work, personal or family matters, use that opportunity. Use the Play My Emails features in Outlook for iOS to listen to your emails while keeping your eyes on other things.
For instance, you can listen to emails while making breakfast for your family. Or while taking your dog for a morning walk. You only have two hands, and sometimes they are occupied by other duties. Keep up with those tasks while emptying your inbox at the same time.
To be an effective multitasker, you need to set boundaries. Limit how much you are trying to do at once. That might sound counterintuitive since multitasking is about doing more than one thing at a time. However, you can only go so far before running into diminishing returns.
For instance, imagine a busy work day. You have five tabs open in your web browser, and your phone is buzzing right next to your keyboard. Also, you are trying to write an email, and someone is pinging you on instant messaging to schedule a meeting. With so much going on, you inevitably won’t get anything done at all.
How could you improve this scenario to increase productivity? Cut out most of the clutter and try working on just two things. For instance, set your computer to Do No Disturb or Focus. Then, work on that email and monitor your phone for updates on a project. Working on just one thing at a time isn’t realistic, but doing it all at once doesn’t work, either
It’s easy to feel intimidated by a huge to-do list at the start of the day. You sit down and immediately realize there are ten things you need to complete. This mountain of work can overwhelm you and delay your progress.
To multitask effectively in this situation, prioritize your to-do list. Take five minutes to write down everything that needs to your attention. On that list, number your tasks in terms of importance, with #1 being the most pressing matter.
From there, it’s simple – get to work! Start with the top couple of items first and save the others for later in the day. As you start to check off things, you’ll feel motivated to keep going and finish the list. Also, if you run out of time, at least the most urgent action items are out of the way.
Creating a productive work environment is crucial for proper multitasking. If your workspace is continually trying to pull your attention in other directions, nothing will get done. And, even if you do get things done, the quality of your work will be negatively impacted by the distractions.
For instance, many people like to listen to music as they work. Background music is a common practice, whether through headphones or office speakers. However, music that features lyrics can pull your attention away, as you think about the words of the song.
Try switching to instrumental music, such as classical pieces. This approach will give you the background noise you seek without the harmful distraction of engaging lyrics.
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Business Insights and Ideas does not constitute professional tax or financial advice. You should contact your own tax or financial professional to discuss your situation.
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