What Are Executive Function Skills?
Executive functions are brain-based skills needed to effectively execute tasks and solve problems. These skills translate natural intelligence and creativity into productive, healthy habits and a high level of achievement.
In environments focused on productivity and profitability, executive function skills are often mistaken for intangibles or “soft skills.” However, intelligence and executive function skills don’t always go together in real life. Difficulty with executive function skills doesn’t mean you’re incapable, unintelligent, or lazy. It means there are real, tangible things you can do differently to accomplish your best work and feel your best while doing it.
Maybe your “go button” needs help. Maybe you consistently underestimate how long it takes to get places. Maybe you have a hard time saying no. Those are normal, human things, and working on them can make work and life more manageable.
Productivity Culture Myths:
01: Adding more to a person’s plate of responsibilities teaches them necessary skills to succeed by dealing with stressful situations.
02: Naturally intelligent or highly-trained people don’t struggle with motivation, stress, the minutiae of daily tasks, or procrastination.
03: A person’s productivity level reflects their intelligence, motivation, discipline, and personal character.
04: Emotional responses are a sign of weakness.
Executive Function Facts:
01: Executive function skills can be learned. Under-developed skills are not character flaws.
02: Every person’s needs are different. There is no one right way of managing our responsibilities, making good decisions, being productive, or contributing to a team. We all have different strengths, and executive function skills can help you bring your strengths to the table.
03: Executive function is about more than productivity--it’s about creating sustainable systems that help you be the best version of yourself at work, at school, and life in general. Balance and healthy boundaries are just as important as deep concentration and persisting toward your goals.
Ready to improve your executive function skills?
“For people with executive function challenges, I recommend working with this team in addition to receiving any formal accommodations you require to be successful.”
-Software Engineer