Lessons on eADD from a taxi driver in Manhattan
I dropped my son off at Columbia University this week and stayed in New York City for a few days to absorb the sights and culture. Navigating the city via taxi, subway and by foot led me to reflect on what we can learn from a Manhattan taxi driver about managing information overload, or eADD.
A race to nowhere
Taxi drivers have mastered a frenzied race. The starting line begins with a firm stomp on the gas punctuated by swerving in an attempt to get ahead, only to honk loudly, slam on the brakes, miss a turn and take an unnecessary spin around the block.
I quickly realized if I wanted to get somewhere with my sanity intact, walking or taking the subway was my best bet.
Managing information to avoid eADD (electonically induced Attention Deficit Disorder)
Back in my office as I was trying to catch up on all of my emails, I realized I was behaving exactly like my archnemesis the taxi driver. I raced from one email to the next while trying to retreive information I needed to complete a task. By late afternoon, I was so caught up in the frenzy I realized I had not even stopped to eat lunch. I wondered if this the crazed pace I experienced in New York City was contagious.
I'd like to hear from you. What can we learn from Taxi drivers about managing information overload?