I am a fan of Farhad Manjoo (NY Times columnist). He generally provides great advice about tech. But, every once in a while, he proves that, while he may write about tech, he is still not a techie…
Why would I say that? Because today (the day I wrote this post) he addressed the use of multiple monitors. You know, when folks like me have two (or three) 75 cm or larger screens, each laden with data so that I can be more productive.
Farhad lamented that, while the data indicates that folks are more productive with multiple monitors, all the tests were all sponsored by manufacturers of monitors- and, as such, the data must be suspect. As further proof, he added that he has not found he is more productive because his screens are full of Facebook, Twitter, eMail, etc.
Well, you see, that’s the same reason (lesser) folks all complain that no one can multi-task (or, more correctly, time slice) properly. Because since they are unable to stay focused, it’s clear that no one else can. (I wish we would stop catering to the lowest common denominator and aim for higher…)
Yes, I am an elite. I don’t bemoan the fact. But, I recognize that I can be an elite because I am also smart enough to recognize that when I am not writing a report, researching an innovation, computing financial records and/or taxes, where I need multiple screens, I turn off the other two screens. Thereby insuring that I don’t waste my time flitting between eMail, Facebook, Pinterest, Google Plus, and my work.
That’s the trick. To adjust one’s workplace to the needs at hand. I don’t expect to complete someone’s taxes when I at in my chem lab, nor do I expect to have hammers, screwdrivers, and a circular saw waiting on my desk. One needs to focus efforts. One needs to discern what tools are necessary for the job(s) that must be accomplished and have the tools necessary for success at hand. (And, put away the tools when they are no longer necessary- so that they can be easily found when they are again needed.)
So, keep those multiple monitors, if you effect literature surveys. So you can verify facts as you write. Or, when you do taxes, have the PDF scans of your clients’ data on one screen, your tax prep program front and center, and the IRS regs on the third. So, you don’t waste time completing the task.
But, if you only have one thing to do, like read and respond to eMail, schedule your ToDo list- then shift back to one screen. To insure you finish what you must- and don’t get distracted.
Or, you can be like Farhad…
With the ability to open multiple browser screens I don’t really see the need for multiple monitors. Sometimes I will print out a hard copy if flipping back and forth gets too complicated, but still. I think focus and staying on task are more important!
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Even multiple browser screens means you are wasting time flipping back and forth (oh, which screen was that data on?)…
But, Alessa, if that works for you, great. I have multiple browsers open on screen one (I also color code the tabs to more readily recognize the subject matter), Word or Adobe Acrobat on screen two, and either a database or excel or a tax program on screen three. Watch me fly…
Two ARE better than one (and three may even be best) http://t.co/jxJaWP1FVr
I can see where two or more screens would be helpful doing certain tasks, and perhaps even less distracting than having to flip between programs on one screen if that is necessary. But I have heard that people are less productive while trying to multi-task, which I think is true, if the tasks are not related to one project.
I and most of my compatriots here all “time-slice” routinely. And, I can guarantee that my productivity is way up there. (I won’t say second to none, since there are always ways things can be done better…)
But, multiple monitors really shouldn’t apply to the concept of time-slicing or multi-tasking…They are a way to increase one’s “wall space”, having all the documents and data that you need right in front of you, instead of needing to go back and forth among screens. (That WOULD be a very slow time-slice, Suerae…)
I use two and if I only need one, I only look at that one. As for anyone telling others how to work–that doesn’t work. I have learned a thing or two from Kathy Kolbe about how very differently we process and that not one way is the only way.
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Well, if it’s your job to advise people how to be more efficient, Ann, then you will tell them. But, you need to make sure your advice is correct 🙂
Guilty as charged. I am afraid I agree with Farhad on this one: this is because I like to do one thing at a time, finish it if possible, and then move on to the next. I prefer to do a little bit, but well, rather than a lot, but with more chances of making mistakes. That said, we all have different ways of working.
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Then, one screen is certainly the perfect solution for you. I want to get things done quickly and efficiently, Muriel.
Are two screens better than one? Roy thinks so. I am quite old school: I don’t…http://t.co/95wz0A2MUC
Adaptation is always the key..
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