by Tova Sherman
As part of my commitment to ensuring that my acknowledgement of ADHD Month is purposeful, I wanted to share my top tips for leaders who wish to collaborate with their employees living on the ADHD Spectrum.
By creating a collaborative environment, offering accommodations like flexible schedules and a quiet workspace, and adapting management style to include clear, written instructions and frequent check-ins, leaders can truly maximize the capacity of this neurodiverse community.
Where to begin? This is the most important question of all. Too often we forget that the employee requiring your support to succeed has tools in place, and that is why we always start with a conversation with them – not about them!.
It’s crucial to have an authentic discussion with the employee to understand their specific needs and to recognize the unique strengths they bring to the team. I mention strengths because too often we think of ADHD Spectrum as bad news. Truthfully, it is not. Living on the spectrum has challenges but the possibilities for collaboration and contribution can genuinely change lives.
I am on the ADHD spectrum, and I am blessed to have mentors who have supported me throughout my professional life. As a result, I am making a difference in my community every day.
So, if you wish to make a difference it is time to try implementing some of the following collaborative and supportive strategies:
- Talk to your employee to understand their specific challenges and brainstorm solutions together.
- Identify and leverage the unique skills and talents that neurodiverse employees bring to the workplace.
- Allow all employees the freedom to balance work with personal life, including time for physical exercise, proper sleep, and healthy food.
- Challenge yourself to put important due dates, timelines, and instructions in writing rather than relying solely on verbal communication.
- Conduct shorter meetings with clearly defined objectives and clear actions at the close.
If you want to be the employer who builds the most talented team with a wide array of skills – then I encourage you to “screen in” not just during ADHD month but all year round!
Do you need help ensuring your hiring practices are fair, accessible, and inclusive? Write to us at info@reachability.org. Our team of experts is here to help.
