Oct 11
26
OCPD at Work
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People with OCPD gravitate toward certain professions and present specific challenges.
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People with OCPD are typically detail-oriented, perfectionistic, linear, frugal, and control-seeking.
The following are some examples of the kinds of fields and professions people with OCPD prefer:
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Engineering
Management
Law
Fiscal Director
Computer Sciences
Editing
Archivist
Inspector
Mathematics
Analysis
Military
Quality Control
Reparation and Restoration
Sciences/Research
Mechanical Inspection/Calibration
Historian
Critic
Data Control Positions
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People with OCPD have difficulty with seeing the big picture and difficulty being flexible. However, they are often able to tolerate working with the kind of minor details that others find mind-numbingly tedious.
Their challenges often lie in a limited ability to stop focusing only on details and zoom out to see the big picture, or the importance of the greater overall purpose of a task. Meeting deadlines is also a frequent problem for those with OCPD.
Those working with fellow employees or supervisors who have OCPD may experience constant criticism and disapproval. The work environment may be kept too tightly controlled, and perfectionism may permeate the workplace. New and creative approaches may not be welcome.
Another common difficulty for those with OCPD can be a tendency to collect and keep things that should be discarded or disregarded. Because of this, the work environment may be cluttered to the point of affecting productivity.
People with OCPD can be so controllingly slow-moving that coworkers may feel continually frustrated by the lack of openness and rapid flow of ideas and projects.
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Tips for coping with OCPD workers:
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Minimize sharing of projects that include deadlines, so that workers are not frustrated by feeling responsible for the often-slower work of OCPD employees
Encourage the clear delineation of tasks so that OCPD workers do not impede others’ workflow with unreasonable standards, etc.
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Clearly communicate if/when details are not to be carefully addressed
Emphasize/discuss the end goal and its timely completion as a specific standard of employee performance
Emphasize/discuss refraining from excessive criticism as a specific standard of employee performance
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Emphasize/discuss flexibility as a specific standard of employee performance
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Stress priorities — OCPD workers are often workaholics. Where possible, encourage them to finish the essentials first, and only then fill in details with extra work
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OCPD workers are conscientious and productive if the challenges of the disorder can be overcome.
Join us next time — we’re discussing C-PTSD (Complex PTSD)
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