Strengths & Talents: Leaders with ADHD in the Workplace

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological difference and is part of the umbrella term ‘neurodiversity’ (which represents the different ways in which a person’s brain processes information). It is estimated that 3-4% of the UK population have ADHD. Whilst this number reflects reported diagnoses, the true number is expected to be higher. This can be the result of individuals being undiagnosed, as well as some neurodivergent individuals withholding their diagnosis due to the fear of being stigmatised.

In light of ADHD Awareness Month, it is important to consider the multiple strengths and talents of individuals with ADHD, and to dismiss some of the myths that are attached to the neurological difference. More importantly, it is an opportunity to raise awareness around ADHD, and to highlight the strengths and talents that individuals with ADHD have, and in this case, the strengths and talents of leaders with ADHD in the workplace.

 Some of the myths that have been attached to ADHD include:

• Individuals with ADHD cannot focus

  • Fact: Many individuals with ADHD have the ability to hyperfocus, meaning they can focus intensely for long periods of time

• ADHD only affects males

  • Fact: ADHD is presented differently in females compared to males. As the common male traits of ADHD are more well known, ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in males. However, there are similar rates of diagnosis across both genders

• ADHD only impacts children

  • Fact: ADHD is a life-long development difference, and many individuals receive a diagnosis in adulthood

• ADHD is not a real condition

  • Fact: ADHD is recognised as a medical condition and is identified as a medical disorder in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders

• Individuals with ADHD need to ‘try harder’ and ‘just focus more’

  • Fact: ADHD is not an issue with a lack of motivation or being ‘lazy’, the challenge with attention is due the different way the brain functions with individuals with ADHD

Whilst individuals with ADHD can experience challenges that may be present in school/education, at work, and in day-to-day activities, there are multiple strengths and talents that individuals with ADHD have. More specifically, Leaders who have ADHD also can display certain strengths that contribute to them being great leaders at work. For example, business leaders such as Walt Disney, the author and journalist, Katherine Ellison, and Ikea founder, Ingvar Kamprad, have all been diagnosed with ADHD and gone on to create successful businesses and careers.

ADHD Leaders; Strengths and Talents:

• Being innovative and unconventional thinking

Individuals with ADHD can have higher levels of creativity and ‘out the box’ thinking, which helps develop ideas and come up with solutions quickly.

• Entrepreneurship

Evidence suggests that ADHD individuals can demonstrate behaviours such as having a higher tolerance for instability, being proactive, and flexible.

• High levels of ambition

Being ambitious can be hugely beneficial as a leader, as it can help promote a growth mindset, to help capitalise on opportunities, risk take, and explore new ideas, all which can be useful traits as a leader to help teams thrive at work.

• Hyperfocus

ADHD individuals can have intense levels of focus for long periods of time, particularly in areas of interest, which can result in higher levels of productivity and efficiency.

• High energy

Leaders with ADHD may also have higher energy levels, which can be great for generating a positive atmosphere at work, and boosting morale within teams.

It is important that we recognise that individuals with neurological differences such as ADHD can have multiple talents and strengths that contribute to success. We can empower aspiring leaders with ADHD to thrive by giving them the opportunities to capitalise on these strengths, the support they need to overcome challenges in the workplace, and by creating a neuro-inclusive environment. This will enable organisations to develop valuable ADHD leaders who inspire teams, think differently and strive for organisational success, creating a competitive advantage in the economy of the future.

Louis Taylor

Solutions Partner at Lexxic

Learn about dyspraxia, take a look at our blog post: Dyspraxia: Dispelling the Myths