Management Tip of the Day: Know When Multitasking Works

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 13, 2010 Know When Multitasking Works Numerous studies show that multitasking doesn't help you get more done. In fact, it impedes productivity. But in today's fast-paced world, it may seem impossible to only focus on one thing at a time. Here are two times when multitasking might be more effective: When information needs to flow fast. If others are waiting on you before they respond to a customer or move a critical project forward, it can be frustrating if you're not available. Picking up the phone or responding to email — even while you're working on something else — can be important, especially if you have information others don't. When you're stuck. Sometimes it can be useful to focus on a difficult task. But when you reach a roadblock, it can be equally valuable to walk away and do something else while your mind ponders the issue. When you return to the task with fresh focus, you're more likely to be able to push through. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "In Defense of Multitasking" by David Silverman. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Pump Up Your Volume!: A Dozen Ideas for Boosting Personal Productivity Harvard Management Update Article Harvard Management Update polled experts in a variety of fields related to personal productivity to find out how they deal with ever-increasing demands on their time and energy. The solutions that work for them might also work for you. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Beat the Postrecession Blues 2 Ways to Get Your Team Engaged 3 Steps to Stop a Team Fight Know the Value of a Pat on the Back Forget Management Breakthroughs — Keep It Simple Beware of the Invisible Promotion Avoid the 3 Tendencies of Bad Bosses Take the Extreme Question Challenge 3 Ways to Improve Performance Without a Re-Org Create Great Strategy with Stories, Not Plans BEST SELLERS Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials Financial Intelligence Collection HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself Guide to Better Business Writing Job Seekers, Take Note Whether you've been laid off or are considering a job change, HBR's Guide to Getting a Job will help ensure that your next move is the right one. Only $19.95. Buy now » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)