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In Defense of Multitasking…But Not That Kind.

Multitasking is fine.  Really, it is.  But not in the way you are probably thinking.  Of course, humans cannot really do two things at the same time with full attention and efficiency.

What we can do is using down beats and slow times effectively:

  • Waiting in line? Good! Time to catch up on some personal development podcasts or reading.
  • On the train or bus and have several more stops? Good! Clear out some emails, send some texts to loved ones.
  • Stuck in traffic? Good! Make a (hands-free, please!) phone call that you have not had time to make.
  • On a silly conference call that you were required to be on but do not have any contributions? Good! Update your calendar, clear out and organize the junk drawer.

Even if you are not a “list-person”, you should keep a list of things that are valuable to your work and life that take between 2-10 minutes.

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Published by mcolpitts

Dr. Matthew W. Colpitts is currently a professional emergency manager in higher education. He works closely with law enforcement, fire, EMS, environmental health, student affairs, residential life, facilities services, and community partners is enhance safety and preparedness. Matt has been an educator, administrator, and leader in higher education and K12 independent schools for over 20 years serving in the areas of residence life, university housing, student conduct, campus safety and security, emergency management, enrollment management, and student affairs. Matt has also served in educator-leader roles at diverse educational institutions including University of Washington, Clark University, Landmark College, Southern Oregon University, Utah State University, and Interlochen Center of the Arts. He is a sought-after risk and safety management consultant, working with many different types of education and non-profit institutions. A first-generation college student from rural Maine, Matt is a proud graduate of Clark University in Worcester, MA with a B.A. in English and Philosophy. He holds an EdD from Fielding Graduate University where he researched emergency management in educational institutions. He holds the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation, the premier security credential from ASIS. Outside of school, Matt enjoys reading, traveling, and learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

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