Yesterday, I came across two things that again got me thinking how shortsighted and scattered our world has become.
Firstly, a booklet by the Finnish Business and Policy Forum EVA (unfortunately available only in Finnish) about the theatre today’s working class has to play in the workplace. Makes a funny read in a Dilbert kind of way, although it may be a bit long for the attention span of an average office worker.
If that is too much for you, then try this: a web site for – doing nothing.
It seems to be very difficult for many people to sit still for two minutes without touching the computer. On the other hand, it is not hard to believe at all. Doing anything uninterrupted for two minutes would be an exception in a modern office.
The current working style requires a specific kind of a person. We have been joking about how all the best sales guys have ADHD. To check if the joke really is valid, I took a look at a couple of web sites about typical symptoms of ADHD in adults.
Here are some examples:
- tendency to overlook details
- hard time remembering conversations and following directions
- poor organizational skills
- trouble finishing projects
- underestimating the time it will take you to complete tasks
- act spontaneously without regard for consequences
- have trouble behaving in socially appropriate ways (such as sitting still during a long meeting)
- trouble staying motivated, getting bored easily
- talking excessively.
That’s how the sales people are, aren’t they? Independent, outgoing, open-minded and driven persons that see the big picture and are constantly looking for new challenges...
The amount of diagnosed ADHD cases in schools is rapidly rising. I don't want to downplay the problem, but I can’t help wondering if proposing ADHD as the reason why a pupil isn’t following the norm in the classroom is the easy way out for a school system that is unable to adapt. No need to change if you diagnose out the ones that don’t fit.
The good news for those unfit for the school processes is that they have a career in sales waiting. And as they have trouble concentrating, they probably won't stop to wonder if something is wrong with a work environment that rewards reckless behavior and racing thoughts.
What I am wondering now is whether the ADHD joke should be expanded to all work in contemporary working life. It doesn’t feel funny anymore. There must be a better way to work. If you read this far, maybe you feel so too?
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