Want to know how to become a multitasking queen at the office? Okay you don’t actually get to wear a crown but you do get to become more effective at managing your time and getting things done quicker. It is true, multitasking is a real thing. Contrary to common belief that it is impossible to effectively get two things done at once, there is new research that claims that when you layer your tasks by the level of brain power needed for each action you can actually get more done.
The concept behind this new method comes from Linsey Knerl, a writer for the Wise Bread. She suggests separating the tasks by the amount of concentration it takes to achieve each individual action. What you do is pair one ‘easy’ process with one ‘difficult’ process in order to be able to do both at the same time without overcompensating for one or the other. When you think about it, you probably already do this to some capacity in your daily life. But this method really breaks it down. Ever watch TV and fold laundry at the same time? How about driving while casually chatting with a friend? Without realizing it, you were already layering.
It’s probably not a good idea to take on more than one task that requires a significant amount of brain power because you will want to put most, if not all of your effort concentrating on that one task. Example: taking a phone call from your boss while trying to write an email to a client. They both require significant amount of thought towards each action. However you may be able to type up that email to your coworker while your noodles are boiling on the stove for dinner. (Pairing difficult with easy.)
A few things to keep in mind if you’re trying this new method:
1: Don’t overcomplicate it by taking on more than two tasks at once.
2: Only pair one light task with one heavy task.
3: Make sure the light task is more natural or physical while the dominant task requires more metal concentration.
By taking on a small project first that doesn’t require a whole lot of brainpower, you can allow your mind to focus on a separate, more intensive task. It may take some creative thought to figure out how you can use this in an office setting. Here are a couple of ideas to get your started.
Ways You Can Layer Tasks at Work:
– Reply to e-mails while you wait for your copies to finish.
– Straighten up your desk while on a large phone conference.
– Mentally prepare yourself for your next task while walking back from the bathroom or your break.
– Write down notes while speaking with clients.
With this new method, combing tasks has never been easier! Just think of all the time you will be saving by combining tasks that layer well. Show your boss you’re the top worker in your office by implementing these multitasking skills. Give it a try and let me know your thoughts!
