I manage a busy events management company and over the years I've learned that to survive in this field, I need to be an expert multi-tasker. I see myself wearing several hats to meet the demands of clients, staff and suppliers. Initially, I was a one-woman team, eventually I was able to grow the business and recruit a team. When I look back, I am sure it was my ability to multi-task that really helped me get through those initial years of juggling several roles at the same time.
The ability to handle several tasks is a plus in various industry verticals such as events, marketing and public relations. These are also industry sectors where you see a lot of women excelling.
Food for thought
Are women better at multi-tasking than men? For centuries now, we have been conditioned to believe that women are better multi-taskers than our male counterparts. There are several research studies to support the claim. A recent one by the National Research University in Russia revealed it is harder for men to multi-task as they require to mobilise additional areas of the brain and use extra resources that consume more energy, while switching between tasks.
Women, traditionally being home makers and mothers, have always handled multiple tasks at the same time and now they are taking those skills to the board room and are doing a terrific job.
This does not mean that only women can multi-task or all women are equally good at it. I think with practice and following a few steps, most people can get better at multi-tasking. With the advent of technology, it looks like everyone is multi-tasking on the go.
Whether you are texting your friend about the season's top picks while online shopping, or answering work e-mails while watching a movie with your family, the expectation to handle simultaneous demands has made it a norm for us to check our smartphones while doing other tasks in hand. Don't let juggling between tasks cause panic and stress. There are different ways to multi-task better and I hope these tips will help.
Multi-task, not multi-think
Information should be synonymous to action. So, when you are multi-tasking, don't forget the 'task' part. When you receive an important call, voice mall or text message, either take prompt action and respond immediately or put it in your 'to-do' list or mark it in your diary. Address it right away than just thinking about it.
To-do list
To keep up the good work, a to-do list needs to be in place. This will give constant reminders of what needs to be done. Hang it where you are most likely to look at it. The more artistic and attractive your to-do list, the more you will want to use it. Make sure to keep the list simple, clear and updated.
Using extra time
Rather than allocating specific time to catch up on industry news, if you a frequent traveller, you can listen to podcast while on the flight, or while driving have the mobile app read it aloud. Or listen to news while you are at the gym or taking a walk in the park. This way, you'll be doing two activities simultaneously and exercise will give you an instant mood uplift and better focus.
Birds of the same feather flock together
In the events industry, when you are creating an event planning presentation, often there are urgent tasks that crop up like a conference call. Then, it does take a while to get back to the creative mojo. How do you juggle various tasks and still be productive? The secret to this is working on related tasks together. Bundling tasks together will minimise the time your brain takes to adjust to a new task. In this way, it will be easier to move fluidly between various tasks at hand, without compromising on your memory, focus and productivity.
Multi-tasking isn't the key to continuous success, but being productive while multi-tasking is. The significance is to be mindful and whatever is done, do it with complete attention and enjoy the moment.
By Natalie Crampton
