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The following column I wrote was printed in the July 14, 2010 edition of “Sioux Falls Business Journal”:

Try to think of the last day you spent without your cell phone. That’s right: No calls, e-mails or texting.

If you are a typical American professional, chances are you will have a tough time remembering. Most professionals today are hooked mercilessly to their smartphones, and claim that without the device they would be out of touch almost immediately.

I would like to think my Blackberry exists to help me get more done. But is this really true?

To be clear, there is no doubt that mobile technology can drastically improve communication and real-time decision-making. But do business professionals become more productive by heavily using technology or do they just communicate more often?
In my career I have noticed that mobile technology does improve communication, but it also increases multitasking – sometimes severely.

A recent story by NPR’s Science Friday examined the effects of multitasking. The conclusion is that multitasking does just the opposite: It causes gross productivity losses due to the “switching costs” of moving between tasks. In other words, each time your phone beeps, blinks or plays your latest ring tone, you lose time by switching to a new thought process. I have noticed an identical effect – the more I pay attention to everything that is blinking on my phone, the less I get done.

Because of this, some professionals have sworn off the devices and chosen to operate “off the grid.” This decision has some real downsides. Mobile technology, if used properly, can help professionals get critical information when it matters most.
In addition, a smartphone is a lifesaver when you are working out of the office.

Professionals can gain tremendous productivity by taking advantage of the improvements devices can bring to your workday.

I propose that mobile technology should be used as a tool with a specific purpose. Multitasking all day is not the answer to getting more done. Becoming a slave to your phone could derail your productivity.

Instead, silence your device during times you need to focus on a project, meetings, times with your family and other critical time. Then, when you are available for communication and taking care of details, set your phone to let you know it has messages for you.

I also try to group the reading of e-mail into three to four blocks each day. Then I am free during my focus blocks to get things done. I set the expectation that I will respond when I read e-mails, which may not be for a few hours.

Remember, your device exists to help you, not dominate your thinking. Responsible use of mobile devices will result in fewer accidents, less distracted meetings and more productivity.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 at 9:18 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.