Struggling With Verbal Instructions

I’ve noticed I sometimes struggle to follow verbal requests at work, particularly when deadlines are tight. There are times I can process them fine, but under stress my mind tends to go blank, even if I’ve taken notes. I do ask clarifying questions to make sure I understand, but it doesn’t always translate into clear action steps for me.

On the other hand, if I’m given a sketch, example, or some kind of visual reference, I can usually follow the request much more easily. I think I may be more of a visual learner, and that mismatch creates frustration for both me and my colleagues.

I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced this, and what strategies you’ve found effective for handling verbal instructions when stress makes it harder to process.

Reply 1

Sol423

Original post

by Anonymous

I’ve noticed I sometimes struggle to follow verbal requests at work, particularly when deadlines are tight. There are times I can process them fine, but under stress my mind tends to go blank, even if I’ve taken notes. I do ask clarifying questions to make sure I understand, but it doesn’t always translate into clear action steps for me.
On the other hand, if I’m given a sketch, example, or some kind of visual reference, I can usually follow the request much more easily. I think I may be more of a visual learner, and that mismatch creates frustration for both me and my colleagues.
I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced this, and what strategies you’ve found effective for handling verbal instructions when stress makes it harder to process.

I have similar problems, except I find written instructions to be much more helpful than visual cues. The first step would be to prevent the stress in the first place. What's stressing you out?

Then when you're stressed out, maybe you need to find a way to relax, whatevers good for you.

If you're especially worried it's interfering with your life, maybe you should see a gp or research certain neurodivergent conditions? I know dyslexic people and people with ADHD can often have trouble with sequential instructions