Managing the Distraction-Focus Paradox

In today's workplace, the seductive clamor of the web is a reality from which there's no retreat. In the age of big data and ever-more-powerful processors, we must absorb more data at faster speeds. Those who'll succeed in this distraction-filled world as thinkers, managers, and innovators will need to combine two seemingly opposing traits. They must be able to absorb diverse information from a wealth of sources, and they must be able to focus intensely. I call this the distraction-focus paradox. While these two qualities seem contradictory, together they make up the skill set for managing your most valuable personal resource -- your attention -- in a hyper-connected age. Yes, these abilities have always been important -- but their combination will become more so in the coming years, as social media and mobile computing continue to advance. To thrive in these turbulent times, you must be capable of "distracted focus."