Several years ago, I met an acquaintance who suffered from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). I had what I considered a very appropriate job: as a security supervisor for a major organization. because your attention down to the last detail, security throughout the organization was top notch and nothing was left to chance.
The Mayo Clinic defines OCD as “a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead you to engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily activities and cause significant distress.” Examples of OCD include obsessive thoughts such as fear of germs and contamination, fear of mistakes or disorganization, and fear of negative outcomes, as well as compulsive behaviors such as repeatedly washing and cleaning, persistently checking and fixing, and constantly seeking security. Medical and mental health support is very important for those whose OCD symptoms significantly affect their quality of life and relationships.
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Despite the challenges, research suggests that certain traits of OCD may have positive benefits.[1][2][3][4] Some OCD tendencies can even contribute to career success. Here are five potential benefits of obsessive-compulsive disorder in the workplace.
1. Thoroughness and Meticulousness
Many people with OCD are thorough and meticulous (as opposed to sloppy and clumsy). In the workplace, people with OCD can thrive in positions where accuracy, research, fact finding, fact checking, and problem solving are integral to success. Career fields in which people with OCD may excel include accounting, finance, math, science, engineering, medicine, forensic science, technology, law, design, architecture, construction, safety, and quality control, among many others.
2. Proactivity and Rick Reduction
OCD is often rooted in fear of uncertain outcomes and negative consequences (among other causes). In the workplace, these insecurities can motivate someone with OCD to take the initiative and address “red flags” early on, thereby reducing risk. They tend to double- and triple-check details on important matters, carefully weighing the pros and cons before making a decision. People with OCD may take as long as necessary until a problem is resolved to their satisfaction.
3. Goal orientation and productivity
For some with OCD, the strong desire to maintain control (of oneself and one’s career), when properly channeled, can become a driver of career advancement. To excel in their jobs, they often establish multiple and tangible goals, and are highly productive in completing tasks. There are many well-known examples of people with OCD who have been successful in business, finance, science, technology, athletics, educationand entertainment.[5] Being productive and goal-oriented can become synonymous with feeling more confident and in control.
4. Future planning and creativity
Some people with OCD excel at planning ahead, often with creativity Y imagination. They find greater security and comfort knowing that there is a “road map” in the future and are willing to embrace new ideas, inspirations and solutions to facilitate the process.
Although it may seem counterintuitive for people with OCD to embrace creativity as it involves novel, exercising creativity can also increase options and solutions, which are ways of self-efficacy.[2]
At work, this can translate into strategic leadership qualities, such as articulating a vision for one’s organization or department, brainstorming to mitigate foreseeable risks, and demonstrating resourcefulness in crisis situations. management. Creativity and innovation are harnessed to help ensure a stronger future.
5. Awareness
Research suggests a positive correlation between OCD and personality dimension of conscientiousnesswhich includes attributes such as competence, organization, sense of duty, drive to achieve, willpowerand caution.[1][2]
When managed constructively, and with the resources of medical and mental health professionals, people with obsessive-compulsive disorder can channel their difficulties into benefits and enjoy a healthier and more fulfilling quality of life.
© 2022 by Preston C. Nor.
