Dr. Darla Shaw, SPHR, MBA, MLS, PhD.
With over 25 years of experience in human resources, I've navigated the corporate world while holding a very personal and sometimes scary secret close to my chest: I have ADHD.
The decision to disclose this condition on job applications always filled me with anxiety, rooted in the fear of misunderstanding or rejection. This concern is shared by many talented individuals with similar conditions, apprehensive that their abilities might be overshadowed by the stigma surrounding their disability.
There's a prevalent myth that ADHD isn't real (apparently psychologists have nothing better to do than make up conditions?), but as someone living with it, I can affirm it's a significant part of my reality!
Contrary to the common belief that ADHD equates to being perpetually hyperactive or inattentive, it's actually about the challenge of regulating attention. In my experience, ADHD manifests as an ability to hyperfocus. This means getting so deeply immersed in work that hours pass without notice, often leading to skipping meals or working into the night. While this hyperfocus can be a powerful driver of productivity, it also has the potential to lead to burnout if not managed properly.
"Coming out" as someone with any kind of disability in a professional environment was a deeply intimidating experience. Would my revelation lead to scepticism or bias? Could it diminish the value seen in my professional contributions? I'm sure many people with hidden disabilities struggle with these same mental gymnastics.
However, my journey has taught me the invaluable strengths that ADHD can bring to a professional environment. Far from being a hindrance, my ADHD has been a source of unique skills and perspectives that have enriched my career and the organizations I've worked with!
It allowed me to finish High School with a 4.0... confusing my classmates who saw I didn't study nearly as much as some of the other "smart people". It allowed me to get 2 Masters degrees and a PHD while juggling full-time jobs. It allowed me to meet impossible deadlines and gain a reputation as a miracle worker!
Sure, there are downsides. I impulse buy and spend a fortune on infomercials and pop-up ads (I still wear pajama-jeans!), I sometimes look spaced out in meetings when in actuality I'm responding to 10 emails while also taking notes, and yes... sometimes my husband gets mad that it takes him 10 minutes to get my attention during one my hyperfocus sessions! And sometimes you may have to repeat something to me if I failed to write it down.
But there are definite upsides, and so in this article, I want to share my insights into the extraordinary potential of individuals with ADHD in the workplace, and why embracing neurodiversity is not just beneficial but essential for modern organizations.
Hyperfocus: Turning Intense Concentration into a Strategic Advantage
The concept of hyperfocus in ADHD, often perceived as a challenge, can in certain situations transform into an exceptional strength. A study by Solanto et al. (2001) in the ‘Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology’ revealed that individuals with ADHD exhibit remarkable concentration levels when engaged in stimulating activities.
As stated earlier, in my professional life, this ability to intensely focus is basically my superpower! It has enabled me to tackle complex projects with unparalleled dedication and attention to detail, leading to innovative solutions and increased productivity.
How can companies trigger hyperfocus in their ADHD employees? Easy: get us interested! The more interested and passionate we are about a project, the more our hyperfocus kicks in. We need that dopamine and adrenaline high.
You can also give us a tight deadline; believe it or not, deadlines are the ADHD person's best friend when it comes to productivity. Interesting project with an aggressive deadline? That's the magic pill that turns us into the Flash.
Creative Thinking: A Pathway to Innovation
ADHD is frequently associated with a unique cognitive style characterized by creative, nonlinear thinking. A study by White and Shah (2006) in the ‘Journal of Personality and Individual Differences’ found that individuals with ADHD scored higher on tests measuring creativity, especially in tasks requiring divergent thinking.
In my roles, leveraging this creative edge has been crucial in devising innovative HR strategies and staffing solutions, often leading to breakthroughs that conventional thinking would not achieve. Simply put, my brain works differently, often looking down at things from a higher altitude than most!
I may not see every minor detail of the trees, but I can get you through that forest. Vision and strategic thinking are our greatest assets.
Professional Stamina: Sustaining Momentum in a Fast-Paced World
People with ADHD often exhibit a remarkable ability to maintain high energy levels, especially in stimulating environments. A study by Luman et al. (2008) in the ‘Clinical Psychology Review’ highlighted the enhanced responsiveness of individuals with ADHD to immediate rewards, translating into sustained motivation and resilience in dynamic work settings.
My experience mirrors this finding, as I've been able to juggle multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously, adapting quickly to changing priorities without losing sight of the end goal. In short, our brains are low on dopamine, so if you promise me a free pizza on Friday if I get this project complete, then I assure you, I will be up until 2 AM Thursday making sure it's done! That can of course be unhealthy if used to excess, but often those with ADHD find such projects stimulating and fun.
High-Energy Passion: A Catalyst for Team Motivation and Success
The enthusiasm and high-energy passion characteristic of many individuals with ADHD can be incredibly infectious, serving as a catalyst for team motivation and success. Research by Barkley et al. (2006) in the ‘Journal of Attention Disorders’ discussed how the emotional impulsivity often observed in ADHD can translate into a passionate and enthusiastic work approach.
This trait has been a cornerstone of my leadership style, helping to inspire teams, foster a positive work environment, and drive projects with a spirited and dynamic approach. Generally speaking, I'm a positive person, and those with ADHD tend to have positive and upbeat personalities (although of course, there are exceptions to every rule).
That kind of high-energy is often infectious, especially during hard times of organizational change or downturns.
Championing ADHD Inclusion: A Business Imperative for Innovation and Growth
Embracing the strengths of individuals with ADHD is not just a diversity and inclusion initiative; it's a strategic imperative for any forward-thinking organization. Studies, such as those by Nadeau (2014) in ‘Psychology Today’, have emphasized the significant contributions neurodiverse individuals can make in the workplace, particularly in roles that benefit from their unique skill sets. Recognizing and harnessing these talents is key to fostering an innovative, agile, and resilient workforce.
In conclusion, as we strive for greater diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, understanding and integrating the strengths of neurodiverse individuals, particularly those with ADHD, is crucial.
It's not just about creating opportunities; it's about recognizing the unique contributions that these individuals can make, driving innovation, productivity, and ultimately, business success.
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