Today, business is moving faster than ever, tempting us to juggle numerous projects at once to keep up. We often think of multitasking as a skill, a badge of honor, and something we brag about. But it’s time to rethink this narrative.
On the big screen and in real life, I’ve yet to see a superhero (or shero!) with the word “multitasker” emblazoned across their clothing or costume. In fact, I doubt anyone would celebrate or wish for this superpower. Someone who’s juggling a dozen projects at once can’t save the day or a project from derailing. It’s the coworker who shows up, fully present, to help in that moment of need.
I’ve often said to the SMPS HQ team that our people are our wins. Without them, we can’t thrive—individually or as part of a team. When we stretch ourselves too thinly, we risk burnout, miss opportunities for creativity, and lose energy to show up consistently. On the other hand, when we give our full attention to one task or challenge, we perform better, have more focus, and provide the attention our projects and teams deserve.
Sometimes, the best solution isn’t going faster or taking on more with shorter deadlines, but to ask, is there a better way to do this? Can we figure out a process where we flourish without feeling as stressed? Let’s normalize that fast isn’t always good. Let’s challenge those “I need it yesterday” moments.
Of course, urgent needs can’t always be avoided but being kind and thoughtful in our requests goes a long way. Our legacy shouldn’t be about how hard or long we worked but how we cared for ourselves and each other. And that’s a superpower to be proud of!
Article written by Marci D. Thompson, chief executive officer of SMPS and the SMPS Foundation. She can be reached at marci@smps.org.
