7 Things Only Detail-Oriented People Do

We think in generalities but we live in detail. Alfred North Whitehead.

It’s always a wonder when someone picks out details that everyone has missed. Generally, people tend to focus on the bigger picture. However, detail-oriented people see the big picture as a sum of its parts.

They tend to break things down into smaller components for analysis. This enables them to pinpoint troublesome areas and make relevant changes. Because of this, detail-oriented people are highly sought-after within organizations.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE DETAIL-ORIENTED? 

It’s easy to assume that detail-oriented individuals are rare. After all the trait is used to describe some of the best minds in the world. There are two types of detail-oriented people

Task-oriented people 

Most people fall into this category. Their ability to see finer details occurs in some part of their life but doesn’t necessarily extend to everything else. This isn’t to say that other areas of their lives are messy and chaotic.

People in this category show great attention to detail in select areas such as their job, their children, or even cleaning. In most cases, this ability is developed over time through repetition. Once a process is understood it becomes easier to spot anomalies.

Naturally, detail-oriented people

For those in this category, the ability to focus on details is second nature. Every little thing is done in meticulous detail. Their attention to detail is much a part of their personality and s extended to everything they do.

This includes the way they dress, do their work, clean their apartment, and organize their schedules.

Common traits of detail-oriented people

There’s more to this trait than just being able to see the finer details. Detail-oriented individuals are:

1. Observant

Their most outstanding trait is the ability to notice things. Say you are on your way to work when you meet the mailman. You spend a few minutes chatting before you go your way.

When asked to describe the encounter you may point out obvious things like the color of their shirt or shoes. However, a detail-oriented person may have noticed a tear at the bottom of the mailman’s trouser or a new tattoo.

2. Proactive

Most detail-oriented people show a lot of proactivity when it comes to fixing problems. Once they notice a glitch, they work towards fixing it.

Not to say that other people aren’t proactive. However, detail-oriented individuals can foresee any negative impacts of a single problem. To avoid this, they come up with plans on how to make things more efficient.

3. Determined

They are intrinsically motivated toward problem-solving. They focus on an issue until they come up with a reasonable solution. This is often easy because they can see how different components of a process affect each other.

This is then projected into the overall picture.

THINGS THAT ONLY DETAIL-ORIENTED PEOPLE DO

1. Read people’s emotions, body language, and intentions

Believe it or not, words do not always say everything. Over 60% of our communication is displayed in our non-verbal cues.

The ability to read emotions, body language, and people’s intentions is an important people skill.

By paying close attention detail-oriented people can tell if a person is nervous from the way they fidget, or fiddle with objects.

Listening to what a person says only gives a fraction of the story. Due to their keenness, detail-oriented people can notice subtle changes in non-verbal communication. They can analyze other people’s reactions and offer appropriate responses to changes in behavior.

Detail-oriented can gauge someone’s moods, and intentions simply by looking at their facial expressions. Research has revealed that humans share similar facial expressions despite where they are from. The universal expressions are:

• Surprise
• Fear
• Disgust
• Contempt
• Anger
• Sadness
• Happiness

While most people can read these facial expressions, it takes a lot of attentiveness to notice micro-expressions. These are changes in facial expressions that last for a second or so.

These expressions carry with them hidden intentions. Detail-oriented people often spot these changes. They can make split-second decisions about whether or not to trust someone.

2. Create links between cause and effect

Detail-oriented people can see how a minor detail fits into the overall system. It’s easy for them to link the end product to its parts. Consider this example.

In a team meeting you are discussing the new strategy on how to increase production. A detail-oriented member of the team will tell if the strategy is airtight or not.

Once the team’s goal is identified they can identify which activities contribute to success and which don’t. if you are planning on purchasing new equipment for your assembly line they can determine its cost-effectiveness in relation to your goal.

The ability to use cause and effect analysis is great when fixing processes.

Below is an example of a Cause and effect diagram to determine why a branch is uncooperative.

Detail-oriented people can offer valuable recommendations to help achieve the desired outcome. They can work backward (from the outcome) until the fins the problem.

This ability to troubleshoots makes them indispensable when it comes to problem-solving. They can:

• Identify the problem.
• Isolate the cause of the problem.
• Remedy the cause of the problem.
• Confirm that the problem has been fixed
• Carry out regular follow-ups to prevent future problems.

3. Organize their work for maximum efficiency

Contrary to popular opinion, being detail-oriented does not reduce efficiency. Detail-oriented people can streamline processes to make them more efficient.

By focusing on the finer details, they can identify problem areas that lead to time wastage, and loss of energy or materials. Once identified these issues are fine-tuned and the overall system fixed.

A detailed-oriented person can identify redundant patterns or alternative ways to increase productivity. They have great working habits that allow them to be more efficient. These include:

1. Creating organized systems for their work. They use systems such as color-coding, to-do lists and virtual assistants to help them stay on top of things. This allows them to create mental reminders just in case they have too many tasks to carry out. Tasks can be organized depending on their difficulty, or urgency. This way all tasks get the right amount of attention.
2. Understanding their roles.  One of the most important things when it comes to efficiency is understanding the Job description. Detail-oriented people always seeking clarity when it comes to the role description. This way, they can focus all their energy on what they are supposed to do. While they are not limited to those roles, they often prioritize their tasks over others.
3. Delegating tasks. Detail-oriented people are able to delegate tasks to their co-workers or employees. By delegating they free up and mental resources and time. these are then channeled towards bigger tasks. Delegating tasks allows other members of the group to learn new skills. It also helps improve trust and communication channels.
4. Using time management and planning tools. Inadequate time management messes with the integrity of your work. It’s easy to get sloppy when you’re rushing to finish a project. Detail-oriented people try as much as possible to keep their work within a given time frame. By prioritizing tasks, they can plan their time and negotiate for better deadlines. Just in case one task takes longer than expected they allocate a different time frame to the less crucial task.
5. Keeping detailed records. Well-kept details are the cornerstone of efficiency. Detailed records reduce the amount of time spent looking for information. It is easier to retrieve information from a filing system as opposed to collecting and organizing it every time it is required. By keeping good records, detail-oriented people find it easier to delegate tasks. In their absence another team member can access the information and carry out similar tasks. Work doesn’t need to stop when they go on a break.

4. Can easily recognize and match voices to faces

The ability to recognize faces is important when it comes to social interaction. One of the most intriguing things about detail-oriented people is their capability to match voices to faces even after hearing a person speak once.

While this may only seem beneficial in trivia games it’s an important skill in law enforcement and homeland security.

Law enforcement agencies hire people who are good at facial recognition in border point areas to track criminals. Facial recognition is important in court proceedings too. Police officers and witnesses are often required to make identifications.

According to the American Psychological Association, the ability to recognize faces becomes harder if the faces are turned upside down.

Detail-oriented people can provide very accurate descriptions of people even after seeing them once. They can notice things such as moles, wrinkles, the distance between the eyes, or even missing teeth. Things that others may not notice at first.

5. Proofread work multiple times

While most people have a habit of proofreading their work, detail-oriented individuals tend to do it more intensely? It is hard to find a detail-oriented person who submits work without going through it.

It is not uncommon for detail-oriented people to revise their work multiple times. In some cases, they come up with something completely different.

This might seem like overkill but as part of their chase for perfection detail-oriented people ensure that their work has a consistent flow. The final product shows how each element mentioned gives rise to the end product

Substandard work can damage a reputation. To prevent this, detail-oriented individuals try to ensure that their work adheres to the standards set. If not, it is revised until it does

Sadly, there are limitations to this process. Proofreading is a great way of making a masterpiece. However, if revisions are done too many times one risks losing focus.

6. Anticipate complications

Every single part of a process plays a crucial role. If one thing goes wrong the entire process is compromised. Detail-oriented people understand this and therefore focus on each part to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

They are can pick out the bugs or problems that could prove costly in the future.

By focusing on each part, they can analyze and project the consequences should anything go wrong.

Detail-oriented individuals consider all possible outcomes and plan accordingly. Say for example that you’re planning a child’s party. You consider the location, the decorations, type of cake, and safety measures.

In addition to this, you may consider getting a cleaner to clean up any messes made as the party continues.

For detail-oriented people, this process is administered to everything. They can run hypothetical scenarios and create the appropriate contingency plans.

7. Ask all the hard questions

In most cases, detail-oriented people are also critical thinkers. They ask the hard questions, whether they’re at home reading by themselves or in a meeting with their coworkers. Though they may be faulted as overthinkers, their eye for details often puts them above others.

They can discern what works from what doesn’t. Unlike most people, they can identify holes loopholes in arguments. It’s easy for them to identify cracks in what would otherwise be considered a logical process. They can come up with ways of streamlining complicated processes.

This may look like a hard skill to develop. The good news is that with enough practice, anyone can develop this skill.

To get started you must learn how to question everything you know. Consider asking the following questions while in a meeting:

• How can I make things easier?
• Does this make sense?
• Is there another explanation for this?
• What do I find to gain by accepting this proposal?
• Can I improve the system?
• Is this a valid argument?

Detail-oriented people avoid making assumptions, by asking the right questions they can determine what the next right move is.

THE CONS OF BEING DETAIL-ORIENTED

1. The micromanager

As earlier mentioned, detail-oriented people constantly strive for perfection. Due to this, they tend to micromanage others. Micromanaging is a costly management style. It is responsible for

• High employee turnover
• Low levels of job satisfaction
• Decrease in productivity

A detail-oriented individual has a higher focus on details that cannot be matched by those around them. It is easy for them to distrust other people’s capabilities. This prompts them into giving input at every turn.

Micromanaging may be acceptable when it comes to improving efficiency and safety. However, it’s important to identify when to delegate. It is important to let your coworkers and employees carry out their day-to-day tasks in a way that works for them.

Micromanagers should learn how to restrain themselves from giving too much criticism. More often than not their negative behavior results in malicious compliance and resentment, both of which affect the quality of work.

Even without noticing micro-managers create an unhealthy environment. Workers are often too nervous to carry out their duties efficiently. The lack of positive reinforcement affects relationships and ruins collaboration.

2. High functioning anxiety

According to the Anxiety and Depression Society of America, over 18 % of American adults are affected by anxiety disorders. Contrary to popular opinion, anxiety is not all about nervous energy, panic attacks, and scattered thoughts.

Individuals with high functioning anxiety can appear very successful and composed. This makes it difficult to recognize any underlying symptoms after all their performance shows otherwise.

A detail-oriented person can develop anxiety. This is mostly due to pressure to ensure that everything goes as planned. They will revise their work and constantly check that all systems are in place. If a part of a process doesn’t work well then, the entire process is doomed to fail.

While not all detail-oriented people have high functioning anxiety those who do tend to focus on the details in a bid to gain control and reduce their anxiety.

Sadly, the stress produced by high levels of anxiety has a detrimental effect on work. With time productivity reduces. This then increases their anxiety, creating a negative feedback loop.

It is important to aim for optimal conditions that keep productivity high.

Most detail-oriented persons with anxiety exercise an internal locus of control. They believe that they hold control over everything that happens in their lives. This often negates interference from external forces. But while this might seem beneficial it’s always good to note that plans rarely go as expected.

To successfully cope with anxiety, consider:

•  Asking for a second opinion.
•  Confiding in others.
•  Trusting your instincts instead of overthinking.
•  Avoid engaging any anxious thoughts.

3. Analysis paralysis-poor decision making

Analysis paralysis refers to indecision resulting from overthinking. The fear of making the wrong decision interferes with the decision-making process. To counter the fear of failure, detail-oriented people dwell on the details I a bid to fix any problem.

Sadly, this move is counterproductive. Focusing on minute details can make you indecisive. People often end up second-guessing themselves.

It’s easy to get lost in the details. Like with most things in life there’s always a huge in this influx of information, options, and consequences. Detail-oriented people need to deal with information overload.

To run a company or project successfully, managers need to prioritize decision making. Constantly searching for the perfect choice hinders decision making and slows down progress.

Overthinking doesn’t always result in better decisions, it can, however:

• Reduce your creativity
• Lower your performance
• Kill your will power
• Reduce your happiness levels.

The great news is, it’s easy to get over analysis-paralysis. Though it involves a lot of work, it is achievable. One needs to:

• Forget perfection.
• Determine the goal of each decision.
• Break major decisions into a series of smaller steps.
• Prioritize decisions that have more impact on your work.

4. Time wastage

Time is a very valuable asset. It is even more valuable when you have a deadline to meet. Whether you are in school or working in a corporate institution, deadlines are an everyday phenomenon.

One of the things about being detail-oriented is an inability to meet deadlines. As earlier mentioned, detail-oriented people tend to revise their work multiple times.

As they proofread, they pick up all details that don’t make sense and change them and proofread again. In some instances, they end up revising the entire project.

Every detail-oriented person knows of a colleague or a friend who doesn’t put as much effort as they do but presents their work on time. Even though their work is full of mistakes they receive praise for the timely delivery.

On the other hand, a detail-oriented person may present the perfect report, with no mistakes, and still, get into trouble for being late.

Great time management skills coupled with attention to detail area potent mix. With this any detail-oriented person can move up the ladder. Below is a list of time management skills to consider:

• Delegate tasks to others. This reduces your workload. If deadlines are tight consider asking for help.
• Start early. This prevents you from running out of time. As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm.
• Avoid multitasking. Contrary to popular opinion multitasking slows down the working pace. When your attention is split between multiple tasks it takes longer to regain focus.
• Deal with stress. As highlighted earlier, stress hurts your performance. Consider taking a break, exercising, or using a stress ball. Dealing with stress allows you to be accurate and fast.
• Prioritize task. Make a list of the most important task. Begin with any tasks with incoming deadlines.

CONCLUSION

It is easy to associate being detail-oriented with being a perfectionist. This can’t be further from the truth. Like all other traits being detail-oriented comes with a set of pros and cons. Being detail-oriented comes with many positives. All of which can be used to further your social and professional life.

Attention to detail and a solution-based mindset makes you invaluable. However, it’s not enough to tell your employer that you can sniff out hidden items. It’s much more impressive when your actions mirror your ability. Always ensure that your best traits are visible.