Saving The Interruped WorkerContext switching--moving effectively from one task to another--is a challenge in computer programming. It's a bigger challenge for humans trying to get work accomplished. Sunday's New York Times reports on recent research on the productivity-sapping effects of interruptions: "'Multitasking is going to slow you down, increasing the chances of mistakes,' said David E. Meyer, a cognitive scientist and director of the Brain, Cognition and Action Laboratory at the University of Michigan. 'Disruptions and interruptions are a bad deal from the standpoint of our ability to process information.'" Humans inherently can't move smoothly among tasks: "In a recent study, a group of Microsoft workers took, on average, 15 minutes to return to serious mental tasks, like writing reports or computer code, after responding to incoming e-mail or instant message." Fifteen minutes. Every time. I've held off on using IM, and try to quit e-mail when I can. I use a Mac widget called 3-2-1 Countdown to set time limits--10 minutes, 20 minutes--when I'll do nothing but X. It's still a constant battle. How do you cope, and how do you keep your organization on track? (Hat Tip: 43 Folders) Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:32 AM, March 27, 2007 This is a public forum. United Business Media and its affiliates are not responsible for and do not control what is posted herein. United Business Media makes no warranties or guarantees concerning any advice dispensed by its staff members or readers. Community standards in this comment area do not permit hate language, excessive profanity, or other patently offensive language. Please be aware that all information posted to this comment area becomes the property of United Business Media LLC and may be edited and republished in print or electronic format as outlined in United Business Media's Terms of Service. Important Note: This comment area is NOT intended for commercial messages or solicitations of business. |
Go To The New Hot Topics HomeBy Joe CaponiManaging Editor, Operations, ChannelWeb Email Joe Recent Entries• Hot Topics' New Home Archives By Categories
Archives By DateMarch 2009 Powered by: |
