MULTITASKERS are often good at switching between tasks quickly, which can be useful in fast-paced environments.
They are able to prioritise jobs according to urgency and evaluate them quickly — their ability to ascertain priorities promptly can enhance overall productivity.
Multitaskers also learn how to split their focus between several things, which is useful when handling several responsibilities at once.
Hence, they can deal with disruptions or changes in work without feeling overburdened.
While multitasking has its advantages, it’s worth noting that frequent task-switching can also lead to cognitive overload and reduced quality in certain cases, so it’s essential to balance it with focused work where necessary.
Mohamad Wasli Mohd Ismail, a multitasking Sarawakian who works as a professional makeup artist, henna artist, fashion designer, event specialist, and tour leader, managed to steal some time in his packed schedule to be interviewed by the Sarawak Tribune.
This is our little conversation with Wasli, widely known as Raja Inai Sarawak:
Question: How do you prioritise your tasks when multiple things need your attention simultaneously? Do you use any tools or systems to efficiently manage your time?
Answer: In addition to having outstanding time management abilities, running any kind of organisation demands the creation of a pre-made checklist system. I view multitasking as a benefit for managing different circumstances when information or work needs to be done at the same time.
I didn’t acquire the ability to multitask in a matter of weeks or months; rather, it came from the experiences I had over the years.
Just so you know, my friends from various backgrounds are another secret that help me efficiently manage my time; they are always willing to assist me when I need it, especially when it comes to obtaining information quickly. Because of them, my work has been made easier!
How do you stay organised and calm while handling multiple projects at once? Do you have any technique to stay calm and composed under pressure?
I need to be able to plan ahead, set up deadlines, think critically, and be creative in order to decide which task is the most important.
While juggling multiple activities might be extremely stressful, I have always decided that it is my duty to finish every job that has been entrusted to me and that these jobs are what keep me alive.
So, to maintain my composure under pressure, I also select a team of talented members to share the workload and facilitate my work.
Do you think multitasking makes you more productive or distracts you?
The ability to network and interact with individuals from many backgrounds has provided me with a wealth of ideas and feedback to help any task be implemented. The two most important things in any job that will make it successful are good time management skills and the ability to identify the capabilities of each member.
As for myself, given my strong interest in art, I frequently interact with creative people or organisations in Sarawak. Therefore, I firmly believe that multitasking increases my productivity.
How do you strike a balance between the demands of a team or collaborators and your own multitasking?
Having a strong team is still necessary for a multitasker to complete any work or job successfully since it will provide them impetus.
As a result, a leader’s position is crucial since they serve as a mentor and resource for any team member who may be having difficulties.
Over many years as a leader, I’ve also come to observe that it is my responsibility to recognise my team members’ skills, place them in the most effective positions, and provide them with the opportunity to grow from their mistakes.
How do you recommend alternating between duties effectively?
I discovered that experience is necessary for competence in any work, even if one needs to start with zero experience. As for myself, experiences enabled me to see where I was weak, which offered me the opportunity to strengthen those areas.
In order to become competent, a person must also study or observe other successful and experienced people that should serve as role models and strive to produce work of a higher calibre.
Furthermore, in keeping with the modern world’s advancements, one ought to utilise social media platforms and other cutting-edge technology in order to be more productive.
