Myth of Multitasking: How Doing It All Gets Nothing Done by Dave Crenshaw
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(Hardcover)
- Pub. Date: August 2008
- 138pp
- Sales Rank: 52,147
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Product Details
- Pub. Date: August 2008
- Publisher: Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated
- Format: Hardcover, 138pp
- Sales Rank: 52,147
- ISBN-13: 9780470372258
- ISBN: 0470372257
Synopsis
In a compelling business fable, The Myth of Multitasking confronts a popular idea that has come to define our hectic, work-a-day world. This simple yet powerful book shows clearly why multitasking is, in fact, a lie that wastes time and costs money. Far from being efficient, multitasking actually damages productivity and relationships at work and at home.
Library Journal
The growth of email and text messages, among other innovations, has made time management at work more of a challenge. Keeping up with all of this simultaneous communication can become counterproductive. Business coach Crenshaw (founder, Fresh Juice Strategy) addresses the myths about multitasking and argues that it can in fact cost valuable time to employees. Crenshaw frames his book in the form of a fictional case study: "Phil," a consultant, is about to meet with the manager of retail clothing chain "GreenGarb: Clothes Mother Nature Intended" about improving employees' time management skills. Crenshaw's point is that the notion of multitasking is a false construct that costs both time and money. In fact, employees are "switch tasking" (switching back and forth between two or more tasks). Crenshaw claims that "background tasking" (doing two or more tasks, with only one of them requiring mental effort) could be more efficient and effective. Currently, employees lose time owing to interruptions by coworkers, distractions from new technologies, lack of attention to colleagues when they are speaking, and juggling home and work. The author also provides exercises for employees to measure their efficiency and effective use of time. Bibliographic citations are included, but a glossary would have been helpful. Overall, readable and thought-provoking; recommended for public and academic libraries.-Lucy Heckman, St. John's Univ., Jamaica, NY
More Reviews and RecommendationsBiography
Dave Crenshaw is a business coach and founder of Fresh Juice Strategy. He coaches and trains CEOs and management teams worldwide. Crenshaw is a graduate of Brigham Young University's Marriot School of Management and a frequent keynote speaker.
Customer Reviews
Handy time management guide, sans multitaskingby RolfDobelli
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June 08, 2009: Dave Crenshaw has managed to stretch a clear, simple concept into an entire book, but it is a useful, helpful concept. Crenshaw debunks the myth that multitasking can be effective and advocates focusing on one task at a time instead. He teaches this lesson by telling the story of a gifted business coach, Phil, and his stressed-out client, Helen. He uses the format of a business novel to demonstrate that multitasking is not an efficient way to get things done. Every time a person changes from one task to another, which Crenshaw calls "switchtasking," he or she loses time and focus. The remedy, the author explains, is to cut down on interruptions, manage how you allocate your time and concentrate on a single task at once. This is not exactly a groundbreaking theory in time management, but it is certainly a helpful reminder. getAbstract suggests this book to managers who must help employees handle their time and to people who need guidance to quit multitasking so they can actually get things done.
A Lesson On Productivityby Anonymous
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May 13, 2009: Dave Crenshaw's The Myth of Multitasking, is a story of how to make the best of what time you have. It starts off with Phil, who is brought to a company to make it work more efficiently. Helen (an influential executive who runs the company that is struggling) is skeptical of Phil's advice. Phil tells her that multitasking is a lie and that what most people see as multitasking is really switch tasking. He also tells her that switch tasking is not good in any situation. When Helen follows Phil's instructions she and the company become happier and more productive.
The lessons that Phil teaches Helen and her company can be applied in everyday life. These lessons are not just for someone running a company but for anyone who wants to improve whatever they do. This book has many interesting facts that support the lessons. Most of these facts were compiled by universities and theologians. This book does not only inspire but it also aids people in building upon their inspiration.
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