Do you Need to be a Good Multi-Tasker to be a Great Project Manager?
Many feel that multi-tasking is the only way to work nowadays. They feel that in order to operate at peak performance you need to have 3 - 4 instant message conversations going, a phone in each ear, actively engage in multiple e-mail threads, and run a webinar all at the same time!
I used to feel that way, but I don’t anymore. I’ve found that it’s better to FOCUS and do a couple of things very well rather than multi-task and do a whole lot of things poorly. I’ve also found that the same amount of work gets done; it’s just better when I put blinders on and consciously keep distractions at bay.
What are your thoughts on multi-tasking? Is it necessary to do your job as a Project Manager? Or, is it something we inflict upon ourselves? What are some ways you found to effectively FOCUS on the task at hand and keeping distractions and interruptions down to a minimum? Saving Changes...
Jiju NairSenior Manager| Fannie MaeReston, Va, United States
The question is very valid. It all depends on whether you are a PM managing multiple projects or a Program Manager responsible for a Program/Portfolio.
In a scenario where issues that need equal attention across multiple projects will demand multitasking as timelines for resolution could overlap or even be parallel.
The best approach will be to identify your level of 'involvement' in issues that need your attention and prioritize them. Delegation of duties to project team members will help you pay attention to priority issues without losing your objective. The same approach can be applied to planning processes too.
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Neville TurbitDirector| Project Perfect.com.auAbbotsford, Nsw, Australia
I have already had my say, but lets consider where mult-tasking might lead to.
- How about a meeting where there is no agenda (either formal or informal) and no chair. We just discuss everything at once.
- Why restrict a project report to one subject? Why not a report that is a brain dump on everything we are involved in.
- How about we do away with position descriptions and only employ a pool of people who work on everthing at once.
- Why not give everyone a few phones so they can talk to a couple of people at once?
It might all sound silly, but business is based on efficiency. Efficiency is based on doing one thing well in the shortest possible time. On the other hand, multi-tasking is doing lots of things not so well in a much longer time. It might be more interesting to work this way, but not good for business. To me, someone who tells me they are good at multi-tasking is saying they lack concentration and focus. Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Efficiency and effectiveness are two different things. Multi-tasking doesn't lead to either. Saving Changes...
arlene trimbleAssistant IT Director| Local GovernmentAlamo, Ca, United States
I agree. Multitasking does not lead to productivity nor efficiency. Humans are not hardwired to really do multitasking. If we are doing multiple things supposedly at the same time, our brain pauses and hands-off the attention to whatever we opted to do at a certain point and leave the other tasks running in the background.
To be a good project manager, you need to limit your work in process so you can optimize the resources and team energy. Your Project Owner/Sponsor would be the best person who can help in prioritizing the backlog. Saving Changes...
Carmen PullianDirector Projects and Programs NAM| adidasHerzogenaurach, Germany
Jennifer this is a interesting questions.
I know that the most effective way to do things is to really focus on it. But unfortunately in our fast paced life and especially in projects it is necessary to be able to do more things in once.
Many projects in parallel, things just popping up out of no where ... I think it is helpful to write down task, plan ahead, prioritize and work accordingly from one to the other and focus on each task instead of being all over the place and having more things undone then done. Saving Changes...
Mike TerracinoPM Consultant| Michael P Terracino, LLCStaten Island, Ny, United States
I also agree that a PM is expected to be able to multi-task but there is a fine line between getting things done and spreading yourself too thin to be effective. Prioritizing tasks is a good way to focus on what's important. Saving Changes...
