If you’re in the job market, chances are you’ve come across plenty of job descriptions where the requirements say something like, “must have attention to detail,” or some iteration of that phrase. Some of you might even have this desirable quality listed as a punchy bullet point on your resume.
Attention to detail continues to top the list for desirable qualifications because it clearly sets up expectations on both sides. You know what a prospective employer wants, and said employer also knows what you can bring to the table. Employees who have exceptional attention to detail, frequently require less supervision, and they don’t tend to make costly mistakes.
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According to experts, poor attention to detail not only impacts the individual but the organization as well. We live and work in a world where change and innovation are happening at a pace never before seen. It is easy to get sloppy when a lot is being thrown at you and where you are expected to make speedy decisions.
The result of not focusing enough attention on the details can be devastating professionally, and they will also have an impact on the company you work for. If “attention to detail” falls into your “weaknesses category”, and you skip over certain job descriptions for that reason, there are things you can do to improve it.
Get Organized
Whether
it’s your calendar, your emails, or even your desk, one of the first steps to
sharpening your attention to detail is to get organized. Knowing what’s on your
calendar for the week ahead will ensure that you don’t miss any important
deadlines or meetings. Moreover, managing your inbox and clearing out digital
clutter will allow you to prioritize what’s important.
Make Lists
This
may sound like a cliché, no brainer because everyone does it — but that’s
probably because it works. The good news is, it’s as easy as it sounds. Make a
list of what you need to accomplish and check each item off as you complete it.
And don’t think this is an amateur move. Everyone (even surgeons and pilots)
needs a list, a well-designed checklist will lead to better outcomes.
Focus – Don’t Try
To Multitask
Attention
is a finite internal resource, and research tells us time and again that multitasking
is a myth and we’re not really good at it. While multitasking is often
glorified, the truth is it splits our focus and diminishes our attention to
detail. To maintain your focus, refer to your list (remember) and focus on one
task at a time.
