ADHDers tend to ponder about things differently and more deeply. We see and interact with the world in very unique ways.
We tend to shine bright, love big, and express a lot. We might also talk a lot, interrupt in the excitement of conversation, and people may say that we‘re blunt.
Once we become adults and enter the workspace, we may still feel like children or out of place - especially in less "mental health aware" environments.
We often have imposter syndrome in the workplace that leaves us feeling incapable, out of our league, and as if we‘re only in our position out of pure luck.
We might face challenges when our diagnosis is open. Our peers may treat us differently: Bosses might keep a closer watch and coworkers might gossip.
We may deal with silent emotional turmoil and building resentment of RSD for fear of repercussions for discussing it or our ADHD symptoms.
Opposition to authority can quickly build, especially with unaddressed RSD. This can leave us with bad assumptions of peoples' intentions or feelings towards us as workers.
So Why Do I STILL Feel Like a Child?
Since we’ve been compensating our behavior since childhood, we still feel the same because we’re still masking the same personality!
If you're ready to feel less awkward in the workplace with ADHD, consider the following...
Set Workplace Accommodations
Flexible Work Environment: Discuss options for flexible hours or remote work if it helps with focus and productivity. Request a quieter workspace or being able to wear noise-canceling headphones to minimize distractions.
Low cost, self accommodations
Over-the-ear noise canceling headphones so coworkers are less likely to interrupt
Position your desk or arrange office space for least amount of distractions
Create your own structure
Organize around your strengths
Find an accountability system for deadlines & projects (A colleague, apps like To-Doist, Asana, and Notion)
Practice self care with eating and taking breaks
Don't Be Afraid of Communication
Ask for Clarification: Clarify roles, responsibilities, and deadlines with supervisors and team members to avoid misunderstandings.
Opening Up to Trustworthy Colleagues: When comfortable, explain how ADHD affects your work and what strategies you use to manage it.
Seek Feedback: It can be hard to accept criticism with ADHD but it's a necessary skill in the workforce. Try to regularly seek feedback from supervisors and peers to identify areas of improvement and track your progress.
Self-Compassion and Patience
Be Kind to Yourself: We often forgive others for mistakes that we won't forgive ourselves for - and that's especially unfair to our neurodiverse minds. Acknowledge that ADHD can make certain tasks more challenging and practice giving yourself the same compassion you give others.
Celebrate Successes: Recognize and celebrate small wins and progress to build confidence and motivation.
Hone Your Strengths
Leverage Hyperfocus: Identify tasks or projects that you are passionate about and can hyperfocus on, using this to your advantage.
Highlight Skills: Emphasize strengths such as creativity, problem-solving, and out-of-the-box thinking in your work.
Focus your strengths & learn how to make your own accommodations in the workplace with our FREE Executive Function Workplace Assessment
Great Job,
Coach Brooke
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