The Myth of Multitasking: How “Doing It All” Gets Nothing Done by Dave Crenshaw is an excellent book demonstrating how multitasking, or switchtasking as he calls it, actually slows us down, reduces productivity, and cheats our coworkers, friends and families.

One of the most refreshing features of this book is that it is a story about a consultant and a client who is overwhelmed with too much to do. Instead of talking about himself and how fantastic his ideas are, Crenshaw allows the reader to learn right along with the characters in the story. In addition, The Myth of Multitasking is a short book. I read it in an evening. Some worksheets are provided at the end to help those who recognize themselves as inefficient multitasking addicts to get on the right track.

Essentially, Crenshaw demonstrates how much time is lost every time we switch from one task to another. In effect, we are not really doing two or three things at once. We’re really doing one thing at a time for short periods of time with precious seconds or minutes lost every time we switch back and forth from task to task.

I already believed multitasking was a hoax, so this book simply quantified what I had already come to understand. If I’m writing, I’m writing. If I’m answering emails, I’m answering emails. If I’m on the phone, I’m on the phone. If I try to do any of those things at the same time, each task suffers. If another person is involved, then my relationship with the person suffers because I’m not fully present with them and the conversation — my mind and my attention are fragmented.

The client in the book discovers that both her employees and her family respect her more and are happier and more satisfied after she quit trying to multitask when dealing with them. No more reading trade magazine while spending time with the kids. No more answering emails while meeting with an employee.

Seems like common sense to me. Live in the present. Give your full attention to the task (or person) at hand. I highly recommend this little book!