The Myth of Multitasking: How "doing It All" Gets Nothing Done

By Dave Crenshaw

Book Overview

In a compelling business fable, The Myth of Multitasking confronts a popular idea that has come to define our hectic, work-a-day world. This simple yet powerful book shows clearly why multitasking is, in fact, a lie that wastes time and costs money. Far from being efficient, multitasking actually damages productivity and relationships at work and at home.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0470372257
• ISBN13: 9780470372258
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 138 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.1" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

Uni-tasking Vindicated!

Now I know exactly why I was never able to multi-task and always referred to myself as a uni-tasker. I picked up some good ways to keep interruptions at bay and to improve my efficiency.

I wish I'd read this 10 years ago!

As a busy mother of three and manager of a family business, I've spent years feeling like there is not enough time in the day, and no possible way to do everything that needs to get done. I believed that if I wanted to get anywhere in life I had to be a master "multitasker," but I was stressed-out, spun-out, and I saw no end in sight. Today, I have to say that The Myth of Multitasking has totally changed my life. Reading this book was a complete eye opener for me. I've learned how to examine my day, and see just where I'm losing precious time. I have to say that I was initially shocked at how ineffective I was. I was not only spinning my wheels at work, I was doing my family a huge disservice by not giving them the complete attention they deserve. Admittedly, a lifetime's worth of bad habits are hard to break, but this short fable literally gave me more time for my family, my work, and my life. Highly recommended for anyone, but especially moms who work.

Women and Multitaksing

I was of the "women can multitask, men cannot" mindset. This book has completely changed the way I do everything, everyday! By putting the basic principles into action I am a better BUSINESS OWNER, better MOM and better WIFE. I am able to devote complete attention to what I am doing RIGHT NOW without stressing about what I'm not getting done because I know that I have made time for the things that MATTER MOST and the things that I WANT TO DO. Multitasking IS a Myth and I am so grateful for how simply this book lays out the TRUTH!

Feeling spread too thin?

A great book for those of us who use technology "well" (or so you thought). The book makes an excellent case against allowing these tools to control the way we work. Principles from the book are actually helping me make good decisions. Having fewer irons in the fire at a given moment helps me better manage all the irons in the fire more generally in life.