Why you shouldn't multitask, and 7 ways to stop

These days, everyone is a multitasker. We talk while we drive, we answer text messages or e-mails during meetings, we return phone calls while surfing the Internet, we work on different docs in different applications all at once, and we cook dinner while talking on the phone.

 But instead of being a hallmark of efficacy, multitasking is actually a detriment to productivity. In fact, research says that performance actually decreases when we do more than one task at a time. Multitasking is counterproductive, our work is poorer for it, and we have to learn to stop doing it.

 Now, this is tough, as we have all taught ourselves that doing only one thing at a time is somehow lazy, less desirable, or a luxury of some sort. Why just sit there reading a report when you could also be checking your e-mail? Why just sit in that meeting listening when you could also be sending texts? Sound familiar? Multitasking is a habit that’s hard to break, but there are a lot of strategies you can use to help you stop:

1. Answer e-mails only at a certain time. Don't check constantly throughout the day. If the little icon announcing a new e-mail is too tempting, close the program.

2. Answer or return phone calls at a certain time, as well. Only take a call if it is imperative to do so, otherwise, let it go to voicemail.

3. When you are on the phone, shut out other distractions, like your computer screen or paperwork, and focus on the phone call.

4. Make it easy to succeed by limiting distractions. When you are working on something, turn off, mute, or stow other gadgets, screens, projects, papers, reports, etc.

5. Make sure your workspace is well organized and free of clutter. A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind, so you want to be sure your space lends itself to focused thinking and activity.

6. Same thing for your computer. Don't open too many programs on your screen. Keep your computer desktop organized, too. Try to keep it simple so you can focus.

7. Appreciate the bottom line. Understanding that shifting or splitting your mental attention actually costs you efficiency and time will help you stop multitasking. 

Multitasking is really just a bad habit that can be broken with a little understanding and a little discipline. You learned how to multitask, and you can learn to stop, too. Trust me, your work and your mood will improve.

Mary talks vacations (and why you should take one!) on News Channel 8

Everyone needs a vacation, and in this segment on News Channel 8, Mary talks with host Bruce Depuyt about the importance of taking a much-needed break from the office.

Why you should take a vacation

Did you know that more than 1/3 of working Americans will not take their allotted vacation time this year? And if they do, half of the time they take work with them? What kind of vacation is that? What gives?

With so much economic uncertainty, plus high gas prices and a tough job market, many workers reason that they can't afford to take a vacation, financially, career-wise, or both.

That's a mistake, and here’s why: taking a vacation is a proven way to reduce stress and rejuvenate yourself. Vacations are an absolute physical and emotional necessity. You may be afraid to take one, but you will be better for it.

Studies show that vacations—appreciable time away from the demands of work— reduce stress, promote creativity, stave off burnout, strengthen personal and familial relationships, and help job performance. They are restorative—we sleep more, eat better, try new things, engage in favorite activities, and maybe even exercise a bit.

Management gurus say it all the time: taking frequent breaks from work promotes better brain activity and creative thinking. When someone is exhausted, stressed, and overworked, their mind shuts down and they are no longer productive or effective. Breaks are essential to productivity. Many forward-thinking companies have this figured out, like Zappos, which is why they feature lavish and funky break rooms with baristas, couches, scooters, massage therapists, and video games to help their employees disconnect and recharge.

The yearly two-week vacation is the equivalent to the fifteen-minute break in the workday; it is an essential component to one’s mental and physical health and the hallmark of a productive person.

But not all vacations are created equally. You have to make sure you choose the right vacation for you. That may sound obvious, but it’s not. Some vacations may actually cause more stress. Like to lie around and do nothing? Then a beach house is probably preferable to an ambitious trek through the cathedrals of Europe. Conversely, if you are a type A who loves to go-go-go, then two weeks at a remote lake house may make you crazy. The vacation you take should match both your interest and your energy level.

Whatever you do, don't take your work with you. Unless you are running your own business where you might need to stay connected, you are not getting paid to respond to e-mails and voice mails. So leave the work and the gadgets behind.

However, for some people, just knowing that they can stay connected might help them alleviate the anxiety of even taking a vacation. In that case, by all means, take your gadgets with you. Remember: the point of a vacation is not necessarily to do nothing. The point is to disconnect and disengage yourself from your work, so that you are recharged, refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to reconnect, both at work and at home.

So, what are you waiting for? Happy vacation!

20 networking tips

Networking is a critically important component of career and organizational success. Being well connected and having strong relationships both within and outside your organization is a cornerstone of success, in any industry and any field.

In a nutshell, networking means building a robust and diverse group of peers and colleagues who can support your personal and professional success and the success of your organization. It is important to take networking seriously, and remember that it isn't about schmoozing; it’s about developing real relationships. 

Here are 20 tips to help you network the right way:

1. Sincerity is the most important aspect of successful networking. You have to keep it real.

2. Cultivate a deep appreciation for the people you meet. This means showing genuine interest and being a good listener.

3. Make a positive first impression. Use open and positive body language, good eye contact, a good handshake, and a positive attitude.

4. Smile, smile, and smile!

5. Wear your nametag (left side, please).

6. Introduce yourself properly and clearly.

7. Develop a great (and short—20 second) elevator speech that tells people who you are and what you do. 

8. Remember people’s names. If you forget, just ask again politely.

9. Don’t scan the room for better opportunities.

10. But your focus on the other person. Ask engaging questions, be a good listener, and try to be a good conversationalist.

11. Be memorable. Express yourself well, and be someone who others are glad to see.

12. Don’t give the impression you are tying to use, sell, or get something out of people. 

13. Introduce people to other people. Smile and invite others to join your group. This is also a great way to learn and remember names.

14. Develop relationships with people, not their titles. Don’t dismiss people you meet because their title isn’t right or because you don’t think they are worthwhile or high enough up the ladder.

15. Attend as many professional and social events as you can, and introduce yourself to people you don’t know.

16. Don't drink too much. Drunk never makes a good impression.

17. Find ways to add value and do favors for others.

18. Say goodbye with warmth and graciousness.

19. Follow-up with people you like and cultivate relationships. Send an e-mail, use social networking, meet for coffee, etc.

20. Don’t expect instant friendships. Friendships take time to develop. Don’t overreach early on. Developing a network takes time!