Lack of Support at Work

Since I last visited the site I started a new job. While starting something new holds my attention for a few months, I still find my lack of concentration causes errors. When I messed up not long ago and tried to explain my reasoning for my inaccurate choice of decision, my manager acted like I should just pay attention more. It's not something that simple. I tried explaining it, but as always, I get the response that I am copping out. This is a very good work environment compared to the old job, but the reactions to ADD are always the same regardless of the job. Has anyone found a better way to effectively deal with people at the office that can't relate to ADD? Tough one Reizende. I've found that the regard for ADHD in Canada although still skewed towards skepticism is a more friendly place than I hear about around the world when I read about encounters like this. My employer knows full well about my ADHD and my resource (a PC term for "manager") and I have found ways to utilize my energy and enthusiasm while giving me some grace for my quirks and poor memory at times due to ADHD. He has endeavored to remind me more often of team meetings and important dates than he would a non-ADHDer per my requests and has tried hard to integrate me into my work and leverage my positive attributes whenever I allow him to.

Perhaps if it isn't quite too hostile for it might I recommend you print off one of the better definitions of ADHD that are online for your manager to read. Maybe an explanation on paper may be what is needed. Some people just need to see it in writing before they truly believe the validity of anything. No I don't get that either but it's true.

I'd also take the time to have a one-on-one privately and explain that for every problem that comes with ADHD there is usually a positive asset that can be taken advantage of by nearly any company. One example I can give is that although memory and concentration can be comprimised an ADHD person can at times hyperfocus and spend longer-than-normal time on a problem if it is set up in a way that can keep an ADHDer's attention.

One thing I can pass from my resource is the word he used and it sticks with me - "leverage". On our last one-on-one (a personal evaluation regularly held) he said "we've not even begun to 'leverage' your skills". He proceeded to congratulate me at being able to energize my work team due to my continued work as a trainer and as my new job title as skill expert in which I teach classes to new employees. He made note of my enthusiasm and how new employees take time to comment on how good they felt about my company after the class is completed. Now how good does that feel to an ADHDer who wasn't sure about their future not that long ago?!?

So try hard to use your unique point of view to give your manager very good and valid reasons you have value and show that they can "leverage" your talents and skills.

Feel free to check in with me if you want any more ideas!!

Glad to be able to help if I can - hope I did :)

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