CM 051: Devora Zack on Singletasking for a Richer, Happier Life - a podcast by Gayle Allen

Multitasking is a myth. And we are poorer for trying to do it.

The research shows that we have less productivity, more stress, diminished creativity,  and poorer relationships when we try to do many things at once. And yet, in a hyper-connected world, we can often feel like we have no other choice.And yet, if we honored how are brains are designed, we would see that singletasking is the answer. That is the message and the research that Devora Zack, author of Singletasking: Get More Done -- One Thing at a Time, wants you to hear. And she gives practical tips about how to do it even in the most frenetic of moments.

Devora is the author of two previous books, Networking for People Who Hate Networking and Managing for People Who Hate Managing, and CEO of Only Connect Consulting. She’s worked with clients at Cornell University, London Business School, and Deloitte, and is a visiting faculty member at Cornell University. Her work has been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, and the Wall Street Journal.In this interview, we talk about:

The myth of multitaskingHow single tasking ups our productivity and creativity and state of flow
Using time shifting to avoid a multitasking mindsetThe price we pay for multitasking
The fact that excessive media multitaskers have trouble rememberingWhy single tasking requires us to commit to a choice
Tips for starting small with single taskingThe three different ways most of us make sense of the world and why they matter
How accessibility and our need to please can prevent us from single taskingWhy single tasking lets us bring the best version of ourselves to what we do
The fact that some prefer to shock themselves than sit in silenceHow device-free staff meetings can increase focus and productivity
Agreat tip for being more fully present with friends and familyWays to build fences to prevent interruptions before they occur
The power of cluster tasking with tasks we do dailyWhat we can do and say when colleagues interrupt us
Tips for open plan offices and colleague interruptionsWhat team members think and feel about leaders who single task
The connection between happiness and single taskingEpisode Links

@Devora_Zackhttp://www.myonlyconnect.com/

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