Multitasking mayhem

2021 seems to have taken over quite nicely from 2020. I saw the Joker meme on this and laughed out loud but it appears to be very appropriate. The main event in the first week of the year was of course the riots at the Capitol in the USA. Regardless of your opinion on the matter, we can all agree that it was utter mayhem. I pity the persons directly responsible for managing this crisis – they will have so many things to do all at the same time because every task will be high priority. Hopefully your first week of 2021 was not as chaotic. If it was, or you want to get tips on how to manage those busy weeks, keep reading.

We cannot get away from multitasking – we will all be swamped with work at some point. The nature of the workplace now is that there are many competing tasks to be done with similar priority levels. Many times this means that everything has to get done right away. So how do you get through those times when the report is due at 9 AM, you have a meeting at 9:15 AM and you need to submit a presentation by 9:30 AM?

1. Prioritize the priority tasks. There are three or four tasks that are due at the same time and they were brought to your attention an hour ago. How do you know which one you should do first? Step back and figure out the order in which you will address each task by determining who needs the task done, how long each task will take and how much legwork each task requires. If you have a task from your boss and another one from your peer, you will choose the one for your boss first. If you need to visit three colleagues in order to complete one of the tasks, and another one you can do on your own, you should do the one you can complete alone first. By doing this analysis, you will be able to prioritize how you complete the tasks and get them done by the given deadline.
2. Do one task at a time. I tend to struggle with this myself. In the middle of typing a letter, I might remember something I was supposed to do yesterday and stop the letter to focus on the forgotten task. Or I may be signing some documents and stop to take a call and do not resume signing when I finish the conversation. I truly believe this is something that takes practice especially in a fast paced organization, but please finish what you are doing before moving on to something else. As I said, I really struggle with this. I have to actively say to myself to focus on the task at hand or else I will just move on. Hopefully you are not like me and this comes easily to you. Once you are already working on something, as far as possible complete the assignment before you take on something else.
3. Do not hyperventilate. At times I have caught myself feeling overwhelmed and I may start to freak out at my desk about all the things required of me. During those moments, I pause and take a breath and remind myself that everything will get done. Enlist help if you can; you can ask members of your team or your peers for information or to directly assist you where possible. Check in with the person who requires the task to get done and let them know how you are progressing. You may get lucky and be told that you got an extension on your original deadline. Or if it is not working out as planned, ask them for an extension. Just try not to panic. You will get the work done.
4. Be realistic. Some bosses can be unreasonable and expect you to complete too many tasks within a short period of time. You will know what can get done and when – be upfront and tell your boss what you can complete and what time they will be completed. Regardless of your boss’ reaction, you told the truth and were clear about the timeframes. Most people would respect and accept your assessment, especially once you deliver when you say you will.

Multitasking is daunting but inescapable. You will have to face this in one way or another, both at the office and at home. The chance probably doubles if you are working from home. Hoping that the above tips help you through those busy times. Have a great week!

#PeritusSundays #Perituscanhelp #multitasking #getitdone #makeitwork