How to Talk to a Coworker or Boss About Your ADHD in Four Simple Steps.

22 Nov 2024 · 1 min

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In this instructional monologue, the speaker outlines a four‑step framework for disclosing and discussing ADHD with a coworker or manager. Step 1 advises arranging a private, uninterrupted conversation lasting at least ten minutes in a safe, comfortable setting. Step 2 recommends explaining the neurobiological aspects of ADHD—specifically low working memory, reduced executive function, and deficits in dopamine and serotonin—and how these affect job performance. Step 3 encourages inviting questions and open dialogue so the colleague can voice thoughts and seek clarification. Step 4 focuses on establishing concrete agreements about expectations, task delegation, and collaborative strategies to compensate for areas of difficulty, thereby creating a mutually supportive work plan.

Chapters

Here's how to talk to a coworker or a boss about your ADHD. Let's break it down into 4 simple steps. The first step is to pull your boss or your coworker aside at a time when you feel like it's safe and comfortable, and you might have at least 10 minutes to kind of talk to them one-on-one, and they're going to be really attentive and present. Number 2, explain to them the brain chemistry of ADHD. Explain to them what low working memory, low executive function, low dopamine, And low serotonin is. Let them know that that exists in your brain because they don't know, and share with them how those things affect your brain. The third step is to invite them to ask you questions. Have them share whatever thoughts come up for them around this and any thoughts that they have or questions about how you guys can go forward in working better together. Which brings us to the fourth and final step. This step is to create agreements and how you want to go forward. What kind of different agreements do you want to have? What expectations of the work that you're going to do or how you're going to do it? Or are there some things that can be delegated to other people or people you can be partnered with to help the people that aren't really great in those areas?