Why Multitasking Is Overrated: What New Supervisors Should Know

If you’ve just stepped into your first leadership role, congratulations! There’s a lot to take in, and I bet you’re feeling the pressure to prove yourself. Maybe you’re trying to answer emails while listening to your team, juggle paperwork during meetings, or bounce between one crisis and the next. If so, you’re not alone—most new supervisors think multitasking is part of the job.

But here's the real deal: multitasking isn’t the productivity hack we’ve all been led to believe. In fact, it can make us feel busier and more stressed, while slowing us down. Surprised? You’re not the only one.

Let’s talk about why multitasking just doesn’t work, why so many leaders fall into its trap, and how you can get more done by focusing on one thing at a time.

The Multitasking Myth We All Fall For

We all know the feeling—your phone pings, your inbox fills up, your to-do list grows longer by the hour. It feels like the only way to survive is to do everything at once. In fact, you might even feel proud of your ability to juggle so many things. “Look at me!” you think. “I’m getting so much done!”

But here’s what’s really happening: instead of doing several tasks at once, your brain is just switching rapidly from one thing to another. It’s like trying to watch two TV shows at the same time by flipping between channels—you never really keep up with either one, and you end up missing the best parts of both.

Why Multitasking Actually Makes You Slower

Switching between tasks takes time.  Each time you return to an email or conversation, you have to find your place again.  Think about it: ever tried texting while talking on the phone? Or tried to write an email while someone’s talking to you? It’s easy to lose your train of thought, forget details, or make silly mistakes. Now imagine that happening all day long. No wonder multitasking leaves you feeling exhausted!

Why We Keep Doing It (Even When It Doesn’t Work)

If multitasking is so bad, why do we keep doing it? Part of it is habit—the workplace moves fast, and there’s a lot of pressure to keep up. Sometimes, the culture even celebrates people who seem to do it all. But here’s the thing: being busy isn’t the same as being productive.

It can be hard to let go of multitasking, especially when you’re new to leadership and want to prove you can handle everything. But what really makes a great leader isn’t juggling a hundred things—it’s knowing how to focus, prioritize, and be truly present for your team.

So, What Should You Do Instead? Try Single-Tasking

Single-tasking is just what it sounds like—doing one thing at a time and giving it your full attention. It might sound old-fashioned, but it’s the key to getting more done, making fewer mistakes, and feeling less stressed. Here are some ways to put it into practice:

• Set Clear Priorities: Pick your top one or two things to focus on each day. Write them down and tackle them first before you let yourself get distracted by other tasks. If you get those done, you’ll already have made real progress.
• Batch Similar Tasks Together: Instead of bouncing back and forth between email, phone calls, and paperwork, try grouping similar tasks. For example, set aside 30 minutes to respond to emails, then put your inbox away and move on to something else.
• Use Time Blocks: Block off chunks of time on your calendar for focused work. Let your team know when you’re “heads down” and need to avoid interruptions. Even 45 minutes of uninterrupted work can make a huge difference.
• Take Real Breaks: Don’t try to power through your whole day without stopping. Stand up, stretch, walk around, or just close your eyes for a few minutes. Your brain needs time to recharge so it can focus again.
• Be Present in Meetings: When you’re in a meeting, be all there—don’t check your phone or try to finish other work. Your team will notice, and the meeting will be more productive (and probably shorter, too).
• Practice Saying No: As a new leader, it’s tempting to say yes to everything. But sometimes the best thing yo: u can do is say, “I’m focused on something important right now—can we talk later?” It’s not rude; it’s smart.
• Try Coaching or Mentoring: If you struggle to break the multitasking habit, consider working with a coach or mentor. They can help you create new routines and keep you accountable. Sometimes, all it takes is someone reminding you to slow down and focus.

How This Makes You a Better Leader

When you trade multitasking for real focus, you’ll notice some big changes—not just in your own work, but in your team, too. People will trust you more because you’re really listening. You’ll catch problems earlier because you’re not distracted. You’ll finish your days feeling accomplished, instead of frazzled.

And here’s a bonus: when your team sees you focusing on one thing at a time, they’ll feel empowered to do the same. You’ll create a culture where deep work and real results matter more than just looking busy.

Final Thoughts: Permit Yourself to Slow Down

If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: you don’t have to do everything at once. In fact, you’ll get more done—and do it better—if you slow down and focus on one thing at a time.

So, next time you catch yourself trying to juggle too much, remember multitasking might look impressive, but it’s not the key to real productivity. Give yourself permission to single-task. Your brain (and your team) will thank you for it.