Multitasking Lowers Your IQ

In a CNN item, the headline was "Emails 'hurt IQ more than pot.'"

What the study behind the headline was really about was the effect of multitasking on the ability to do tasks successfully, such as complete questions on an IQ test. Being interrupted by emails, instant messages, and the like resulted in scores 10 points lower than normal -- although the loss was just for tests taken while multitasking. And it is probably noteworthy that this degree of impairment is greater than for pot use.

We live in a world that worships multitasking. Many contemporary job descriptions even list the ability to multitask as a qualification. And many of us take pride in how we have learned to multitask. We brag about being able to read, watch TV, and talk to our spouses all at the same time. Truth is, we know that when we do so, we don't do any of these well. I'm just surprised that the loss was only 10 points.

There's a lesson here about productivity. While our world, and especially our workplaces, extol the virtues of multitasking in the name of increasing productivity, the truth is that productivity suffers from multitasking. Time management studies have repeatedly shown that highest productivity results from focusing on a single task at a time. Time management gurus have long taught us to plan our days, work on one thing until it's done, and then move on. All recommend focusing specific time on reading and answering emails and phone calls rather than handling them as they come. This study just reinforces that advice.

This reminds me of good advice I picked up from Rolf Smith during one of his "Thinking Expeditions." Rolf calls the space in your office behind your computer and beside the phone as the "Stupid Zone." (He even suggests that you mark it off with masking tape as a visual reminder.) The Stupid Zone is where you are subject to the interruptions and distractions of others, essentially where they control what you do. We have managed to extend the stupid zone to almost everywhere with the use of cell phones, Blackberries and wireless hot spots.

Want to gain at least 10 points of IQ instantly? Then arrange to spend some quality time unplugged -- without the interruptions of your phone, your computer, your cell phone or your Blackberry. If you're like me, you'll go through withdrawal, but you'll find the results worth it.