Orthotown April 2024 - 56

which are multifaceted.
There's an increase in efficiency
and quality of work as the full force
of an individual's cognitive abilities
is directed at fewer tasks at a time.
It also reduces the mental fatigue
of constant off-and-on-ramping
task-switching, allowing for sustained
productivity and opportunities
for recharging.
The neuroscience of focus
Delving deeper, neuroscience offers
insights into why sequencing supports
multitasking. When we focus on a
single task, the brain activates specific
neural pathways, enhancing our cognitive
abilities such as problem solving
and critical thinking. In contrast,
when we switch between tasks, these
pathways are disrupted, decreasing
brain function efficiency. (Cue burnout
in the workplace and less creativity.)
The call for sequencing ahead of
multitasking isn't just a matter of
productivity; it's deeply rooted in
the neuroscientific understanding of
how our brains
function. At the heart of
this understanding lies the prefrontal
cortex, the brain's command center for
executive functions, which includes
focus, decision-making and prioritizing
tasks.
According to a study by David
E. Meyer, Joshua S. Rubinstein and
Jeffrey E. Evans, tasks take an average
of 20%-40% longer to complete
when you attempt to do them all at
once. The researchers discovered that
switching tasks so frequently created
a " switch cost " that affected the
time required and accuracy of task
completion.
The prefrontal cortex operates efficiently
when we engage in sequencing,
focusing on one task at a time. This
singular focus allows for what neuroscientists
call " cognitive ease. " In this
state, the brain conserves energy,
reduces stress levels and enhances its
ability to solve complex problems.
Unfortunately, multitasking puts
the brain in a state of " cognitive
APRIL 2024 | 56 | ORTHOTOWN.COM
overload. " This occurs because our
brains aren't inherently wired to
handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
When we try to multitask, we force the
prefrontal cortex into a rapid toggling
between tasks. This constant switching
comes at a cost, which can include
mistakes, decreased memory retention
and reduced quality of work.
Further, neuroimaging studies
reveal that task-switching increases
the production of cortisol, the stress
hormone, and adrenaline, which can
overstimulate the brain and lead to
mental fog or scrambled thinking. This
can even reshape the brain's structure,
leading to a diminished capacity
for concentration and deep thought.
An analogy might be to consider the
damage from working out in the gym
too much. At some point, the effort
diminishes the outcomes.
How to find sequencers
When scouting for talent, the emphasis
on multitasking prowess is pervasive.
However, everyone these days is
a good multitasker; we have to be able
to keep up with everything the world
demands! So, the narrative needs to
shift: The ideal candidate in today's
fast-paced yet quality-conscious
environment is someone who can
sequence effectively and multitask.
Such candidates demonstrate an
ability to prioritize tasks, manage
http://www.ORTHOTOWN.COM
Orthotown April 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Orthotown April 2024
