Her problem is one I see in a slew of people who work solo or have jobs in companies but just can't get their act together. She seemed to be lacking something fundamental that other people have but I didn't know what to call it. I just learned her problem might have a name--"executive dysfunction."

This term is sometimes used loosely, but it is real, according to a recent New York Times article. It means that you can be smart but still not do well in your career or other areas of life if you lack the ability to plan, organize time and space, initiate projects and see them through to completion and "cannot resist immediate temptations in favor of later better rewards," says the article.

These abilities can be damaged or underdeveloped and affect what neuro-scientists call the "brain's C.E.O," a control center with an array of executive functions. Studied mostly in underperforming children, these functions may "be a part of the problem in people of any age who are markedly disorganized and inefficient and failing in their careers."

What seems to be lacking and needed for people with this dysfunction is structure. In fact, my client attributes success in her past job to the intense structure the company imposed on its workers.

Only an expert can diagnose whether Sheila has this dysfunction. And before I heard about this dysfunction, based on the issues she's struggling with, we were developing structures that could help her succeed. Step-by-step, we're creating a business plan that starts with the purpose of her business, a definition of her customer and how she will reach them.

We're creating other structures including a list of advisors for her to set regular meetings with--a lawyer, accountant and marketing professional. She also established a list of peers and friends that she'll hold regularly scheduled conversations with to get input on a problem she's facing or feedback on an idea. We're creating a more structured environment like the one she thrived in at her old job.

According to the article, most help for this dysfunction involves external cues and support to teach the stronger parts of the brain strategies to compensate. One neurologist, Dr. Martha Bridge Denckla, who treats people with executive dysfunction, says adults can be relatively successful as long as there's another human being such as a co-author, teacher or spouse to keep them on track.

Today's workplace calls for everyone to be more self-directed and self-sufficient, which requires skillful use of these executive functions. If you find yourself struggling with that, build a strong support system and structures that will help keep you on track. Your career depends on it.

© by Andrea Kay