“The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail.” (Charles R. Swindoll)
Attention to detail is the ability to achieve thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing a task [1], and it counts among the most important qualities of successful graduate research candidates [2]. In fact, it is a key problem-solving skill in many different professions [3], inside and outside academia.
There are several ways to improve your own ability to pay attention to details. Always strive for accuracy, consistency and completion [4], in everything you do. In other words, be meticulous. Meticulousness (as a synonym for attention to detail) is the most important prerequisite for successfully pursuing a PhD program – along with other factors, such as passion, inquisitiveness, creativity, discipline, persistence and perseverance [5]. Paying attention to minor details (also known as “small acts”) can have a large impact – commonly referred to as “The Butterfly Effect” [6]. If you want to make a positive impact, act accordingly, and always do what’s right. As Martin Luther King, Jr. famously stated: “The time is always right to do what is right.” [7]
Attention to detail is a transferable communication skill [8] and there are several ways to improve your own attention to detail. Some practical tricks may be: getting more sleep, taking 5-minute breaks once every hour, and learning how the quality of your work may affect the people you work with. [9]
Author and consultant Chris Denny (AttentionToDetail.com) identified 3 types of attention to detail: Contrastive (providing a right or wrong answer), Analytical (creating a solution) and Additive (making something better, e.g. the way Steve Jobs permanently intended to improve Apple’s products) [10]. Once you know which type of attention to detail you need to aim for, it will be easier to define your next step towards achieving it.
This may sound trivial, but effective improvement techniques also include: getting organized, making lists, limiting distraction, playing focus-enhancing games and embracing a daily routine [11].
Most importantly: If you do a PhD, A) it should be something you can be proud of, or B) you shouldn’t be doing it at all. If the answer is B, find a way to turn it into A.