Context Switching - so you think this is a good thing?

Last post we talked about Agile Clowns multi-tasking and that research has shown that we can't actually multi-task except for repetitive, memorized types of activities. You can't truly multi-task (do 2 or more things at one time) for cognitive activities. Since we can't multi-task, the real issue is context switching. How many projects are you working concurrently? Are you dedicated to one project? Great. Keep it up. Do you have 2 or more projects? 3 or more? Then you're not going to be very efficient.


When we talk about multi-tasking, we typically mean context switching. That is, stopping work on one item and beginning work on another item. You're switching from one context - task 1 to another context - task 2. But here's where we're fooling ourselves as well. The cost of context switching is extremely high. If you're working on 2 or 3 or 4 projects at a time you already know the pain and ineffectiveness caused by having to work too many projects at once.

I'm sure you've experienced this. Your on a one-sided conversation, where you're engaged and the person at the other end of the line is clearly doing something else. You figure it out when you ask a question and there's no response. Only after a silent pause, the other person says - sorry, what was the question?

That's the fallacy. You talking about an important issue, the other person is reading an important email and neither is actually communicating. The cost of context switching is real and can be very costly.

So what are some things you can do:

• Create developer team (or team time) slots of time where team members are not interrupted from their work. For example, mornings from 9am to noon. The team knows this is uninterrupted time - so don't bother the team
• Use the pomodoro technique
• Convince managers to have persistent, dedicated teams
• Work on one story at a time
• ...

I'm working with a colleague of mine on analyzing context switching. As we find interesting results we'll share them. So just remember, you can't multi-task and context switching kills your effectiveness and reduces the time you have to get work done. 

Maybe you're fortunate to be a part of a persistent, dedicated team. In that case enjoy it, because many of your colleagues are not so lucky.