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William H. Webb, “America’s first naval architect”, and founder of the Webb Institute* in Glen Cove, NY, was often quoted as attributing his reputation and success to “unwearied application and close attention to detail.” Are you good with attention to detail? If not, would you like to be? Now is a great time to make a practice of paying better attention to detail. Typically this is a “quiet” time, people are away, there’s a calmness before the work picks up again. Now is your chance to form, or enhance, a habit of attention to detail (ATD). Ways to do this: engaging in detail-oriented activities improving focus, reducing/eliminating distractions, developing routines, creating checklists (for no missed steps), organizing your workspace (for less confusion), double checking your work, always! You can start with practicing mindfulness, actively listening, seeking feedback and taking regular breaks. Did I mention double checking your work, always??? Here’s a reminder of the basic benefits of ATD: -Improved quality of work. -Higher productivity, more efficient processes = more output. -Avoided rework, long run time saver. -Better decision making. -Increased credibility and trust. -Satisfied employers and clients, loyalty gained. -Enhanced problem solving. -Safety! -Potential for professional growth. -Trust in your own work, personal satisfaction/accomplishment. When we DON’T pay attention to detail, the opposite happens! Simply add “not” or “no” in front of each benefit and there’s your list of pitfalls for neglecting ATD. But wait…there’s another category we need to address. What happens when we have TOO much attention to detail? Let’s dig into this a bit more, what to watch for, the problematic pitfalls of having too much ATD. Tell me if you can relate to any of these. Which ones have you never thought of? -Overwhelm and burnout. -Perfectionism, counterproductivity. -Decision paralysis, can’t move forward. -Procrastination. -Missing big picture (in the weeds), missing overall goal. -Reduced efficiency, slower processes. -Increased costs, diminishing returns. -Inflexibility, rigidity, not adaptable to new info. -Micromanagement, undermining team autonomy/creativity. -Decreased creativity, focused on correctness rather than new ideas. -Strained relationships. -Stress and anxiety, poor overall wellbeing. As a Virtual Assistant, attention to detail is a skill that I always bring to the table. My clients trust me with their work and rely on me to do it right, and do it well. Am I perfect every time? No! But the intention and awareness are there. They recognize and appreciate my skill, often surpassing their own set standards. Going above and beyond. For those who have resigned themselves to never having ATD, or having too much, it might be time to give some serious thought to delegating things to someone who pays the right amount of attention to detail. Someone who can contribute their skill to your work, and to your life. Let me know how I can help you. I am here, and I love what I do! *Webb Institute, Glen Cove, NY is a private college dedicated to naval architecture and marine engineering. Founded in 1889 by shipbuilder William H, Webb, renowned for its rigorous academic program and a unique educational model, offering their selectively admitted students full-tuition scholarship. Personal Note: Webb is a very special place! I am so proud my son is an alumnus! |