The Hidden Cost of Multitasking: Why Focus Matters at Work and In the Leadership Academy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s be honest—the urge to multitask is totally understandable. With endless email notifications, pings, and the mysterious “urgent” requests that pop up just as you’re sitting down for lunch or during meetings like Leadership Academy classes it sometimes feels like you’d need eight arms and three brains just to keep up. If only we could borrow an octopus’s skill set for the day!

However, the cost of multitasking is steep: when you divide your attention among several tasks, you reduce your ability to deeply understand or remember any single topic. Research shows that multitasking actually lowers your IQ and impairs your brain’s capacity for empathy and emotional control. Every time you switch between tasks, you lose valuable productivity—some studies estimate up to 40%. Over time, this constant shifting not only undermines your own learning and effectiveness but also disrupts the focus and progress of those around you.

Multi-Tasking During a Leadership Academy Class

When you multitask during a virtual Leadership Academy training—by glancing at your phone, scrolling on your computer, or chatting with others—you’re not only limiting your own ability to learn, but also disrupting the entire group’s focus. Developing essential soft skills, which are among the most challenging to master, demands your full attention; distractions make true growth impossible.

Also, when classmates see someone multitasking, it often prompts them to reach for their own devices, spreading distraction throughout the group. Remember, as Academy participants, you’re being paid to learn. Staying focused helps you absorb valuable material and ensures a positive, supportive environment where everyone can succeed.

Multi-Tasking in the Office or Field

Contrary to popular belief, smart teams don’t multitask. Just because society has normalized it, that doesn’t mean it’s effective. Multi-tasking equals multi-nothing. When we try to be in too many places simultaneously, we end up nowhere.

Attention and focus precede quality results – multitasking is the illusion of doing too many things simultaneously without accomplishing anything. And the price you pay is high.

Multitasking is a Myth

A study by the University of Sussex found that multitasking decreases IQ scores, similar to if they had smoked marijuana or stayed up all night. While the cognitive impairment from multitasking is not temporary, it has lasting effects. MRI scans revealed multitaskers had less brain density in the region responsible for empathy and cognitive and emotional control.

When one team member multitasks, the entire team suffers. According to psychologist David Meyer, shifting between tasks can cost up to 40% of our productive time.

Multitasking is really just switchtasking—your brain isn’t truly doing two things at once, but rapidly jumping from one activity to another. Things happen so quickly that most people don’t even realize the hidden costs they’re incurring. It doesn’t matter if someone believes they were handling multiple tasks simultaneously; in reality, their attention was continuously shifting, not staying fixed on either task.

Research highlights just how disruptive this can be. Studies show that, on average, a person loses about 28 percent of their workday due to interruptions and inefficiencies. A Microsoft study found that the average person interrupts themselves every forty seconds! Multi-tasking—or more accurately, switchtasking—is one of the biggest drivers of this lost productivity, according to the University of Washington.

Companies that have made a concerted effort to reduce multitasking have seen dramatic results, experiencing an average of 58.8% improvement in productivity, according to Realization Technologies.

As Deepak Chopra points out, “If I’m speaking to you and checking my iPhone at the same time, I’m doing neither. This is why our society is frazzled; this misconception that we can consciously do more than one thing at a time effectively.”

So, let's ditch the myth and reclaim our focus! Imagine how much more we can achieve—and how much less frazzled we'll feel—by simply giving our attention to one thing at a time. Challenge yourself and your team to single-task for a week and see the difference. The results might just surprise you, boost your productivity, and maybe even make work feel a little more fun. Ready to join the single-tasking revolution?

To your greater success and well-being. 

Peter Mclees, Leadership Coach, Trainer and Performance Consultant

SMART DEVELOPMENT

                Take the Next Step...
Interested in learning how to develop your organization's leadership capability, culture, and employee engagement? We begin with a collaborative discovery process identifying your unique needs and business issues. To request an interview with Peter Mclees please 

contact: Email: petercmclees@gmail.com  or  Mobile: 323-854-1713

Smart Development has an exceptional track record helping service providers, ports, sales teams, restaurants, stores, distribution centers, food production facilities, wealth management services, third-party energy and maintenance providers, real estate services, nonprofits, government agencies and other businesses create a strong culture, leadership bench strength, coaching skills and the teamwork necessary for growth.

Having worked with several companies throughout their growth cycle, we have valuable insights and strategies that would help any late stage startup, small or medium sized company achieve sustained growth and prosperity.

Why Sharing Personal Stories Matters in the Leadership Academy

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the 14-month Leadership Academy program, we invite participants to reflect on and share how growing up in their hometown influenced their values, interests, and hobbies along with other life experiences. This practice is an intentional part of our curriculum, designed to enrich both individual and group learning experiences.

1. Fostering Self-Awareness

Exploring the role of one’s hometown or high school experience in shaping personal values, interests and lessons learned encourages participants to examine what drives their decisions and behaviors. Understanding the roots of one’s motivations is essential for effective leadership, as self-aware leaders are better equipped to guide others and adapt to new situations.

2. Building Group Cohesion and Trust

When participants share personal stories about their upbringing or memories from high school, it creates opportunities for connection and empathy within the group. These exchanges reveal commonalities and differences, helping to build trust and a sense of belonging. A cohesive group is more likely to collaborate effectively and support each other throughout the training journey.

3. Appreciating Diversity

Each participant’s hometown or high school experience is unique, shaped by geography, culture, community values, and local traditions. Sharing these backgrounds exposes the group to diverse perspectives, encouraging open-mindedness and respect. Leaders who appreciate diversity are better prepared to lead inclusive teams and navigate complex social environments.

4. Enhancing Communication Skills

Articulating how one’s upbringing or high school experience influenced their interests and values is a valuable exercise in self-expression and storytelling.

Sharing personal stories also encourages students to stretch beyond their comfort zones. By opening up about their backgrounds, participants often challenge themselves to be vulnerable, which is a crucial skill for leadership development. This process builds resilience and confidence, empowering students to take risks and grow both personally and professionally.

In conclusion, sharing personal stories about our hometowns, high school and other things is a powerful tool for growth in the Leadership Academy. It not only deepens self-awareness and strengthens group bonds, but also broadens our appreciation for diversity and enhances our ability to communicate effectively.

We expect every participant to embrace this opportunity—step forward, share your experiences, and contribute to a richer, more connected learning environment. Your story matters, and by sharing it, you help foster a supportive and inspiring community for all.

Your personal stories matter—its time to "publish" them!

Peter Mclees, Leadership Coach, Trainer and Performance Consultant
SMART DEVELOPMENT

Take the Next Step...
Interested in learning how to develop your organization's leadership capability, culture, and employee engagement? We begin with a collaborative discovery process identifying your unique needs and business issues. To request an interview with Peter Mclees please 

contact: Email: petercmclees@gmail.com  or  Mobile: 323-854-1713

Smart Development has an exceptional track record helping service providers, ports, sales teams, restaurants, stores, distribution centers, food production facilities, wealth management services, energy and facilities services providers, real estate services, nonprofits, government agencies and other businesses create a strong culture, leadership bench strength, coaching skills and the teamwork necessary for growth.

Having worked with several companies throughout their growth cycle, we have valuable insights and strategies that would help any late stage startup, small or medium sized company achieve sustained growth and prosperity.

Channel Your Inner Yoda: Unlock Coaching Power in Every Moment

  

 

 

 

 

Ready to channel your inner Yoda—guiding your team with wisdom and wit, no lightsaber or endless council meetings required?

Good news: you don’t need Jedi powers or an hour-long session to unlock your team’s problem-solving powers. Some of the best learning moments happen right under your nose, like the time your coffee spilled and someone suggested using napkins—innovative thinking at work!

1.   Try the coaching bridge: Next time someone storms into your office (Or Teams chat) like it’s the end of the world (and maybe it’s just the printer jammed again), don’t leap in with the answer. Instead, start with a question: “What do you think is going wrong here?” Maybe they’ll surprise you (or at least make you laugh). Share your two cents—perhaps you remember the infamous ‘Paper Jam of 2022’—then toss the ball back: “Given that, what can you do next?” Watch as your team builds their own toolkit and tackles problems with newfound confidence.

2.  Ask better questions: Resist the urge to play ‘Captain Fix-It’. When someone asks, “How do I deal with this difficult client?” instead of offering sage advice, toss out a fun prompt: “If you had a magic wand, what would you do?” Or, “If failure wasn’t an option, what would you try?” Suddenly, your team is brainstorming like they’re auditioning for a reality show, and you get to watch their strategic thinking soar.

3.  Embrace strategic silence: After you ask your genius question, don’t fill the silence with stories about your cat’s latest escapade. Hold back. Let them think. That pause isn’t awkward—it’s the sound of brains working overtime! Plus, it signals that you trust them, which is like handing out invisible gold stars.

4.  Pick your coaching battles: Save your energy for the big moments—those recurring decisions (like “Should we order pizza or BBQ for the team lunch?”), messy challenges, and opportunities where someone might actually grow (or at least learn not to jam the printer again).

In every interaction, you have the chance to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary growth opportunities. By asking thoughtful questions, embracing silence, and empowering others to find solutions, you’ll not only strengthen your team’s skills but also cultivate a culture where ownership, innovation and confidence thrive.

So, next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember: true coaching power is revealed one conversation at a time—just like Yoda guiding Luke, wisdom flows not from lightsabers but from simple moments of being coach-like.

Check out two related posts:

Unleash Your Potential: The Transformative Power of Leadership Coaching (3 min read)

More Yoda, Less Superhero (3 min read)

To your greater ability to become a coach-like leader.

Peter Mclees, Leadership Coach, Trainer and Performance Consultant
SMART DEVELOPMENT

Take the Next Step...
Interested in learning how to develop your organization's leadership capability, culture, and employee engagement? We begin with a collaborative discovery process identifying your unique needs and business issues. To request an interview with Peter Mclees please 

contact: Email: petercmclees@gmail.com  or  Mobile: 323-854-1713

Smart Development has an exceptional track record helping service providers, ports, sales teams, restaurants, stores, distribution centers, food production facilities, wealth management services, third-party maintenance providers, real estate services, nonprofits, government agencies and other businesses create a strong culture, leadership bench strength, coaching skills and the teamwork necessary for growth.

Having worked with several companies throughout their growth cycle, we have valuable insights and strategies that would help any late stage startup, small or medium sized company achieve sustained growth and prosperity.

 

Unlock Your Best Life: The Pursuit of True Happiness Starts Now!

 

 

In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson declared life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as our inalienable rights. And hey, we’ve come a long way! Today, we don’t just have life and some freedom—our liberty would blow the minds of our ancestors during the Dark Ages. We’re talking not just about breaking free from tyrants and feudal lords, but also escaping the days of endless, grueling labor.

We've had worker protections, more freedom to choose our paths, and we were protected from many sorts of injustices and illnesses that used to be a constant threat. High five to progress! (Although it feels like we’re slipping backward on this front)

But happiness? That one’s a wild ride. Jefferson was clever enough to say our right is to chase happiness—not just magically receive it. It can be slippery, especially Level Three happiness—think of it as the “boss level” in the game of life.

Let’s break this down Nettle-style. Daniel Nettle, a British psychology lecturer and author extraordinaire, says happiness comes in three levels. Level One is quick and easy—it's the joy of watching a hilarious movie, hitting a hole-in-one, soaking up the sun on vacation, or chowing down with friends and family. It’s instant gratification, like finding a $20 bill in your old jeans. You hit Level One every time you’re having fun.

Level Two is a bit more brainy. It’s all about how you judge your life. Are you satisfied? Do your highs outweigh your lows? If you’re nodding yes, congrats—you’re riding Level Two, feeling a general sense of well-being. It’s like looking at the scoreboard after the game and feeling pretty darn good about your stats.

Level Three, though, is the grand finale. You hit this level when you feel like you’re really thriving—living your best life, fulfilling your potential. This isn’t just any life; it’s the high-quality, “top shelf” version. So, what does that mean?

If you’re confused, don’t worry. Even Louis Armstrong couldn’t define Jazz—“Man, if you gotta ask, you’ll never know.” It’s kind of like that. But here’s what we do know: a top-notch life isn’t just about stacking cash.

Don’t get me wrong—money matters. It decides your zip code, your kids’ schools, the quality of your doctor, and whether your lawyer is a rock star or just learning the ropes. Money brings comfort, more choices, and less stress. But let’s be real: it can’t buy true love, genuine friendship, or instant wisdom. It won’t magically fix everything, and it sure won’t make you more generous or solve all your worries. People imagine money is a superhero. It’s not.

Money doesn’t change you—it puts the spotlight on who you already are. As Larry Winget said, “If Kardi B, Lonny Musk, and Kylie Jenner weren’t rich, they’d still be acting entitled and unhinged—just at Wal-Mart instead of Rodeo Drive.”

You just wouldn’t see it on TMZ!” So, if you’re a great person, money highlights that. If you’re not—well, you get more attention.

So, what sparks high-level happiness if it’s not just the cash? Mark Skousen breaks it down in EconoPower: The magic ingredients are:

1. Rewarding and honest work

2. Recreation (fun, fun, fun!)

3. Love and friendship

4. Spiritual growth

And guess what? None of these require a fat bank account. Sure, if you’re broke, your recreation might be hiking or reading instead of yachting or racehorse adventures—but joy is still joy!

For maybe the best explanation ever, Aristotle, way back in the day, said lasting happiness isn’t found in chasing pleasure, excitement, or profit. Sure, those things are fun, but they don’t stick. What really matters is living up to your potential, sticking to your values, and following your conscience. That’s “the good life”—and it leads to the kind of happiness that lasts (Nettle’s Level Three).

Following your conscience isn’t always easy. We all miss the mark sometimes. But isn’t it better to give your all to something meaningful, even if you stumble, than to ace something that doesn’t matter?

Like the wise man said, “You always know the right thing to do (unless you’re a sociopath!). The hard part is doing it.” So go out there, chase Level Three happiness, and have fun with it. You’ve got this!

To your true happiness!

Peter Mclees, Leadership Coach, Trainer and Performance Consultant
SMART DEVELOPMENT

Take the Next Step...
Interested in learning how to develop your organization's leadership capability, culture, and employee engagement? We begin with a collaborative discovery process identifying your unique needs and business issues. To request an interview with Peter Mclees please 

contact: Email: petercmclees@gmail.com  or  Mobile: 323-854-1713

Smart Development has an exceptional track record helping service providers, ports, sales teams, restaurants, stores, distribution centers, food production facilities, wealth management services, energy and facilities services providers, real estate services, nonprofits, government agencies and other businesses create a strong culture, leadership bench strength, coaching skills and the teamwork necessary for growth.

Having worked with several companies throughout their growth cycle, we have valuable insights and strategies that would help any late stage startup, small or medium sized company achieve sustained growth and prosperity.