ADHD and Leadership

The Neurodiversity Coach Newsletter

Welcome to The Neurodiversity Coach Newsletter. As an Executive Coach, Leadership Trainer and self-professed geek, I've had the opportunity to work with neurodiverse leaders and coach them through leadership and workplace challenges. Each week I share resources and insights for neurodiverse leaders and the rest of us.

This week's newsletter is the first in a series exploring the most common advantages and disadvantages of several neurodivergent diagnoses. First, we examine ADHD and its effects on leadership.

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ADHD and Leadership

As we dig deeper into neurodivergent diagnoses and the impact on leadership, I thought it would be helpful to do a series of articles on the most common advantages and challenges each of them have. ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) is probably the most common of all the diagnoses so let’s start there.

First some stats:

• The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry estimates that 4.4% of adults have ADHD. 
• In 2016, 9.6% of children have been diagnosed with ADHD according to the National Survey of Children’s Health
• Men and boys are diagnosed at a rate of 3x that of women and girls. 

With numbers like this, it’s not hard to believe that there are a large number of leaders in corporations, non-profits, and entrepreneurs who are living with ADHD.

As an executive coach who often works with high tech orgs, I have the privilege of knowing quite a few leaders who have been diagnosed with ADHD.  

Leaders who have ADHD have distinct advantages and disadvantages due to their neurodivergent condition. Let’s list them here:

• Creativity: Some studies suggest that individuals with ADHD may have more divergent thinking, which can lead to increased creativity.
• Hyperfocus: While difficulties with attention are a hallmark of ADHD, some individuals with ADHD can also experience periods of intense focus and concentration on activities that are interesting or engaging to them.
• Energy and enthusiasm: People with ADHD can often have high levels of energy and enthusiasm, which can make them dynamic and engaging to be around.
• Risk-taking: Some studies suggest that individuals with ADHD may be more likely to take risks and explore new opportunities, which can lead to innovation and entrepreneurialism.
• Intuition: Individuals with ADHD may be able to tap into their intuition and "gut feelings" more readily than others, which can be a valuable asset in decision-making.
• Empathy: Some research suggests that individuals with ADHD may have heightened levels of empathy and emotional sensitivity, which can make them attuned to the needs and feelings of others.
• Hyper-awareness: Some individuals with ADHD may have heightened awareness of their surroundings and be able to notice details that others may miss.

Some of the most common challenges for individuals with ADHD are as follows: 

• Time management: Individuals with ADHD can struggle with time management and may have difficulty prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Organization: People with ADHD can have difficulty with organization, both in terms of physical spaces and digital systems.
• Distractions: Individuals with ADHD may be more easily distracted by their environment or internal thoughts, which can make it difficult to stay focused on important tasks or conversations.
• Impulsivity: Some individuals with ADHD may struggle with impulsivity, which can lead to making decisions too quickly or acting without considering all the consequences.
• Communication: Individuals with ADHD may have difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication, which can make it challenging to communicate effectively with team members or other stakeholders.
• Emotional regulation: Some individuals with ADHD may have difficulties with emotional regulation, which can lead to intense emotional reactions or difficulty managing stress. This can have huge impacts on leaders who want to progress in their careers but are unable to get a handle on their emotions.
• Follow-through: People with ADHD can have difficulties with follow-through, which can make it challenging to see projects or initiatives through to completion.

All of these advantages and disadvantages are ripe for coaching topics as we work with leaders. The thing I have found the most in my work with ADHD diagnosed leaders is that they often feel misunderstood. The gap between their inner intentions and their outward reputation can be difficult to deal with. In coaching, we actually have a safe place for leaders to explore their impact which then can make a difference as they start trying on different shifts in behavior.

The most successful leaders who have ADHD have learned how to manage their challenges and make the most out of their advantages. Here are just a few examples: 

• Richard Branson: The founder of Virgin Group has spoken publicly about his ADHD diagnosis and how it has both helped and challenged him in his career.
• Simone Biles: The Olympic gymnast has spoken about her ADHD diagnosis and how she has learned to manage her symptoms while competing at the highest levels of her sport.
• David Neeleman: The founder of JetBlue Airways has also spoken publicly about his ADHD diagnosis and how it has influenced his approach to business.
• Michael Phelps: The Olympic swimmer has spoken about his ADHD diagnosis and how he has used it as a source of motivation and determination in his athletic career.
• Justin Timberlake: The singer, actor, and entrepreneur has discussed his ADHD diagnosis and how it has influenced his approach to work and creativity.

Do these advantages and challenges resonate with you? Does anything surprise you? I’d love to hear from you. 

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Neurodiverse Leadership Resource Library

Want more resources on neurodiversity leadership? We are finding and creating resources for you. Watch this section expand every week.

Jan 26: Nerds (and Geeks) are Leaders Too!

Feb 2: People are More Difficult than Algorithms

Feb 9: Your Straight Talk is NOT Authentic Leadership

Feb 16: The Trouble With Neurodiverse Leadership (Forbes Article)

Feb 23: Why Am I So Anxious?

Mar 2: What if My Neurodiverse Boss Sucks with People?

Mar 9: Neurodiverse Leaders and the Power of One on One Conversation

Mar 16: He Only Cares About Himself

Mar 22: Neurodiversity Makes For Better Leaders (Sometimes)

Mar 30: The Nerd Ceiling and Digital Body Language

Apr 6: The Power of Routine

Apr 14: Managing Up Success Story

Apr 27: Surprise! Your Motivators are NOT Their Motivators

May 4: Hi Elon, I'd Like to Be Your Executive Coach

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Staying In Touch

What leadership challenges are you facing? I’d love to hear from you - feel free to set up a time to chat here: Let's talk!

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