Professional Attention Deficit Disorder: A Guide from Dimensional Search

Welcome to another Dimensional Search blog post! Today, we’re discussing Professional Attention Deficit Disorder (Professional ADD) and how to manage it in today’s fast-paced work environment.

The Shift from Time to Attention

In the manufacturing economy, time was the currency. Systems were designed for maximum efficiency, and effectiveness was simply how much time could be dedicated to the process. The assembly line is a perfect example! In today’s information environment, directing our attention in the right places for the right amount of time and focus is the key to effectiveness.

Do You Have Professional ADD?

Curious if you suffer from Professional ADD? If you have already been distracted at some point during the first paragraph, no assessment necessary! Here are some signs that you may be suffering from Corporate Attention Deficit Disorder:

  • You are frequently distracted from your current activity, by others, or by your own lack of focus.
  • You finish your day and are surprised how little you actually accomplished despite the fact that you felt “busy” all day.
  • You have a to-do list of important items but always seem to be distracted with more “urgent” activities.
  • You find it difficult to fully focus on another person without thinking of other matters.
  • You check and respond to your email, text messages, instant messages, etc. constantly.
  • You feel a sense of “information overload” frequently.
  • You think you are a great multi-tasker.
  • You are addicted to urgency and pride yourself on being the best “fire fighter”.
  • You love being in the “zone” but are frustrated by how infrequently you truly find yourself in that place.

The good news is that it is curable and you can fill your own prescription!

Strategies to Manage Professional ADD

Here are some strategies to help you and your team alleviate Professional ADD:

  • Create Golden Hours: Establish certain times each day that no one can distract you or each other. The only distractions or interruptions should be emergencies.
  • Loosen your Electronic Leash: At least four times per day, set 45-minute time blocks where email, instant messages, and any other electronic distractions are turned off.
  • Prioritize Long-Term Projects: Make a list of all your current important projects that are not urgent. Now, assign at least two one-hour slots a week to do them.
  • Minimize Multi-tasking: Practice being fully present and engage in one activity at a time.
  • Create Blocks of Similar Activities: Plan activities in such a way that complementary activities can be done in groups.
  • Find the Right Work/Life Balance: Just as your time at work should have focus and intensity in each activity; so should your time away from work.

Conclusion

The solutions provided in this blog post are simply a half dozen best practices to help you and your team alleviate Professional ADD. Fully engaged employees can play a tremendous part in the growth and success of a company. To learn more about successful strategies for combating Professional ADD, reach out to your Dimensional Search consultant today.

For more insights, check out these resources:

  1. 21 Best ADHD Blogs: Helpful and Witty Resources – Choosing Therapy
  2. ADHD Resources & Links from ADDitude Magazine
  3. List of ADHD Organizations That Can Provide Assistance – WebMD
  4. Helpful Resources for Adults with ADHD – Attention Deficit Disorder Association