Even in casual conversation, the point guard’s eyes dart enigmatically around the gym, rarely focused on the person in front of him. Jason Kidd can’t seem to stop himself from seeking the better opportunity, the next best play.

Be it personality affectation or genius at work, who wouldn’t want to appear night after night Kidd’s enabling field of vision and enduring championship dream?

- Harvey Araton, in the New York Times, 15 May 2007

Jason Kidd, point guard and captain for the New Jersey Nets, is one of the best ball handlers in NBA history. Against the strongest defenses in basketball, he has an almost precognitive sense of which teammates are about to be in position to score, and then he whips and threads passes through space that any other player* would consider impenetrable.

What’s the relevance for attention deficit disorder? He doesn’t do this by “focusing on one thing at a time.”

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*except Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns. Kidd and Nash are widely regarded as the best  ball passers currently playing in the NBA. Both of them can score and defend, too. Kidd recently eclipsed the legendary Larry Bird to become the NBA’s all-time No. 2 in triple doubles” (with Kidd earning his in points, rebounds, and assists.)

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[Douglas] Tieman said that the very character traits that make executives successful can also lead to their belief that they can overcome alcoholism or other addictions themselves.“They have a big work ethic, are very clever and creative,” said Mr. Tieman, whose company treats about 1,200 executives a year at its centers in Pennsylvania and Florida. “They also have the notion of invincibility. They suffer from terminal uniqueness. They think: ‘I am different. I can drink again.’ That creates a very slippery slope.”

- One Misstep and They’re Out the Door by Geraldine Fabrikant, New York Times, 15 May 2007. Douglas Tieman is chief executive of Caron Treatment Centers.

How much of “it’s lonely at the top” comes from bosses making it that way? How often do we reject the useful counsel of peers, or neglect to use competent professional help? In this quote, Douglas Tieman is talking about substance abuse. But what about other things like deciding on corporate direction, figuring out how to deal with a troublesome employee, or even managing our attention deficit disorder?

Are there places where our mindset (or pride, or habit) keep us from seeking help that will pay off? Or even from noticing that help might be available?