Neurodiversity in the Workplace: A Path to Empowerment
Very often, clients want me to talk to their employer. “My boss doesn’t get me.” “I need to work better and faster or I’m going to get fired.” “What they are asking is impossible for me.” They want me to explain neurodiversity in the workplace and tell their employer how to change to accommodate their Turbo Thinker© brain.
While there are many common traits, both strengths and challenges, neurodiversity presents itself differently in every individual. As a coach, I work with you to identity and celebrate your unique talents. It is not our goal to eradicate your neurodiveristy or to mask as “normal.” We get to know your own unique brain and what it needs to succeed. Armed with this awareness and information, we can then take responsibility for communicating our needs in an effective manner. Rather than guess what “they” want and try to do that, we can learn to advocate for ourselves so that everybody wins.
I need to feel confident to do my job. I need to trust myself and I need you to trust me. How do we get there? How can I get clarity on expectations in a way that is specific and measurable? What if we could create a rubric together so that we are both confident that I understand your expectations and that I can meet them?
I need to want to do my job. I need clarity on the shared objectives. Turbo Thinkers© require intrinsic motivation. Our performance is tied to our emotional interest in the project. Help me understand why this is important for everyone involved. Fear of consequence is not helpful and external rewards are not enough. People-pleasing exhausts me. Help me see the bigger picture.
I need to know what success looks like to you. It would be helpful to see some examples and discuss it. If I achieve the same objectives in the same time frame, does my process matter? What if I achieve better objectives in a longer time frame? Do you want the same mediocre output as others or do you value great work? Our genius takes time.
I need to feel connection. When I feel like part of a team, both supported and valued, I perform well. I need to know what I am doing right and why you appreciate that so I’ll continue to shine. I need to know that I have a team to support my needs in areas such as positive and constructive feedback, planning, organization, and accountability.
I need to know that you want me to succeed. I need to know that we are in this performance improvement plan together and that we are both doing our part so that we all win. How will we celebrate and when?
Neurodiversity in the workplace invites us to embark on a journey of courageous conversation, curiosity, and collaboration. It empowers us to embrace our unique identities, listen deeply, and foster an environment where everyone can thrive. Let's choose to make neurodiversity in the workplace not just a challenge, but an exciting opportunity for empowerment and encouragement.
I do offer Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training in the workplace to introduce teams to successful strategies working with neurodiverse teams and to build executive function skills. Please contact me for further information.