As women in leadership, we often find ourselves balancing a demanding mix of professional, personal, and emotional responsibilities. We’re praised for our ability to juggle everything—switching seamlessly between meetings, emails, team decisions, and family commitments. But beneath the surface, there’s a growing realisation: multitasking isn’t the superpower we once believed it to be, and it's time to rethink productivity.
Research shows that multitasking is more harmful than helpful. In fact, only about 2.5% of people can effectively multitask. For most of us, moving between tasks lowers productivity by as much as 40%. Worse, this constant task-switching is mentally draining, leading to mistakes, burnout, and a sense of being perpetually stretched too thin.
As female leaders, we are particularly prone to this myth. The pressures we face—whether it’s driving growth for our organisations, nurturing teams, or managing home life—often lead us to believe we must multitask. But this drive to “do it all” comes at a cost: not just to our effectiveness but also to our well-being and relationships.
The Hidden Costs of Multitasking for Women Leaders
As a leader and coach, I’ve seen firsthand how multitasking diminishes our ability to perform at our best. When we divide our attention, we lose the depth and focus needed to make clear, strategic decisions. We also miss out on the deeper, more meaningful interactions that create trust and cohesion within our teams and communities.
Take a moment to reflect: Have you ever found yourself nodding through a conversation while mentally organising your to-do list? Or answering emails in a meeting only to miss a key point? Multitasking gives us the illusion of productivity, but in reality, it erodes our capacity to fully engage at work and home.
In a recent personal reflection on the myth of multitasking, I shared how it often pulls us away from the present moment, leaving us overwhelmed. Here’s an excerpt that I believe speaks directly to the challenges we face as leaders:
“Reflecting on the idea of multitasking and the myth that it makes us more capable or productive, I’ve come to realise that it has, in fact, made us forget how to truly enjoy a meal together, have a meaningful conversation with a friend, engage in imaginative play with our children, and even savour quiet moments with ourselves.”
For us, as female leaders, the stakes are even higher. By constantly switching gears, we lose the chance to cultivate deep thinking and presence that enables innovation and drives our teams forward. More importantly, we miss the moments of connection that sustain us.
How Can We Lead Differently?
Embrace Deep Work: In his book Deep Work, Cal Newport highlights that productivity comes from focusing intensely on a single task. For women in leadership, this might mean creating space in your day for uninterrupted strategic thinking or creative problem-solving. When we focus on one thing at a time, we can tap into the insights and clarity that make us exceptional leaders.
Delegate with Confidence: As women, we often feel the need to have our hands in everything—to ensure that all the details are correct. However, effective delegation is a crucial leadership skill. By trusting your team to manage the details, you free yourself to focus on the bigger picture and make more impactful decisions.
Be Fully Present in Conversations: Being present means listening fully without the distraction of multitasking, whether with your leadership team or your family. When we show up authentically and give our full attention, we build deeper connections and trust and create space for more meaningful dialogue.
Redefine Productivity: Let’s challenge the notion that productivity is about doing more. Instead, let’s redefine it by the quality and impact of our work. Did we make progress on initiatives that align with our vision? Did we lead with purpose and intention? These are the measures that matter.
Give Yourself Permission to Slow Down: The constant pressure to perform can be overwhelming, especially for women in leadership. It’s essential to permit yourself to pause. Focusing on fewer tasks with greater intention allows you to accomplish more and protect your mental and emotional well-being.
A New Approach to Leadership
The myth of multitasking is tempting, especially for women who manage careers, teams, and often families. But what if we chose a different path? What if we allowed ourselves to focus on one thing at a time—to be fully present in the moment rather than spread thin across competing demands?
By embracing single-tasking, we can reclaim our energy and clarity, enabling us to lead with more purpose and connection. We can become the kind of leaders who not only get things done but do so with depth, creativity, and presence.
It’s time to let go of the need to “do it all” and instead focus on doing what matters most. As female leaders, we can redefine success—not by how much we juggle but by how present we are for the people and moments that truly matter.