I’ve come to realize that due to this phrenetic activity, workers are becoming increasingly frenzied and highly inefficient. And while we stay in constant motion for different reasons, most suffer from what I call  ”the shiny object problem”.

Are we becoming raccoons…

So how do raccoons fit into the shiny object problem? They’re focused, right? Yes, they are, but in that focus lies the core of a common problem. In only seeing one objective, one destination or one outcome, raccoons fall in love with their particular shiny object and will stop at nothing to obtain it, even to their own peril.

I’ve worked with (and for) raccoons many times in my career. They overcommit (whether to an idea, project, initiative, etc.) and will get things done come hell or high water and no one is going to tell them otherwise. Raccoons will show up in the damnedest of places and are tenacious in the pursuit of their goals. They are street smart and extremely creative. And in the end, they will not be satisfied until the object of their affection has been obtained.

However, raccoons can be trapped. Due to their frenzied lack of external ideation they can be brought to a standstill when baited. In business, this comes when the raccoon is asked to get off the treadmill and defend their thesis or business case to an impartial audience. Tenacity is rarely rewarded when one has an inability to represent or even appreciate alternative approaches. But remember to trap raccoons responsibly as they can be ferocious once cornered. No one needs a rabies shot.

[Fans can relive their younger years by reading Where The Red Fern Grows and exploring this popular technique for catching raccoons. You'll make Old Dan and Little Ann proud.]

… or do we actually suffer from ADHD?

Despite the immense amount of research and data supporting childhood ADHD, very little is known regarding the prevalence and pervasiveness of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A 2006 study estimated adult ADHD at 4.4% with significant correlates for males, those previously married and the unemployed.

The real issue here seems to be a lack of comprehensive diagnostic tools for adults. There are some standard questionnaires available but assessing adults is much more difficult than children. Sure, you can ask a coworker and they’ll likely throw out an eye-rolling diagnosis on the spot — “Jane totally has ADD”. My suspicion is that this is a real problem that is only going to get worse over time, and unfortunately the American Psychiatric Association is about to make a trusted diagnosis more complicated.

A recent article in Psychology Today described a move by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to loosen criteria for adult ADD. Per author Dr. Allen Frances:

“Even now, without the proposed DSM5 changes, adult ADD is a diagnosis that is too easy to get. Perceived difficulties with attention and concentration are extremely common in the general population and the symptoms that define ADD are mostly subjective especially in adults who have usually outgrown the somewhat more objective defining items of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Thus, the first time diagnosis of ADD in adults is usually based on very fallible self perceptions of poor concentration and task accomplishment. Any lowering of requirements will capture many adults who feel the need to be sharper, but who really don’t have serious enough attentional deficits to qualify for a mental disorder. The diagnosis will be especially common in perfectionistic students, in people who have demanding jobs, and in those who have to struggle to stay awake.like long haul truck drivers.“

So what do you do about ADD/ADHD in the workplace? The National Resource Center on ADIHD has a great piece on Succeeding in the Workplace that I’d strongly recommend you read. They offer tips on how to deal with the most common challenges including distractibility, impulsivity, hyperactivity, poor memory, boredom, procrastination, time management, interpersonal issues and difficulty managing long-term projects. I could use help for all of these.

But my caution is this – do not freak out when you read these materials. We live and work in 2010 and chances are that you’ll find bits and pieces of yourself in the descriptions of symptoms for adult ADD. Again, the shiny object problem raises it’s pretty little head.

So where do we go from here?

It’s a good question. First and foremost I’d like your thoughts on whether this is something you or your colleagues are struggling with. Do you suffer from a shiny object problem? Are you a raccoon? Do you think you have adult ADD? If so, how do you deal with the inherent challenges? Or, do you think this is just the way things are in the modern workforce? Regardless of your point of view please share your thoughts below. And remember — let’s stay focused and keep the conversation going.