Office MVP: The ADHD Team Player

“What is my role in life? How do I fit in?”
These are questions that everyone on earth has given some thought to in their lives. For some, the answers are harder to find than others – especially when some intangible difference separates people into “us” and “them,” making those searching questions present themselves more often. For better or worse, having attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of those categories that makes a person wonder more than once, “What is my place in my community?”
The good news is, an ADHD brain comes with a collection of assets that constitute valuable contributions to a community: rapid-fire thinking, high energy, drive, passion, creativity, and more. With a cause or task that they feel excited about, and a little collaborative support to avoid distraction, the ADHD member of the team can become the MVP.
Collaborative work, whether it’s at the office, the Parent-Teacher Organization meeting, or a friendly leisure activity, can really let an ADHD-er shine. This is especially true if everyone involved cuts each other some slack and tries to look at the situation from the other’s point of view. Taking these tips into consideration will make the experience smooth sailing.

Getting the Best out of an ADHD Colleague
Take a few minutes to learn more about ADHD, so your expectations of behavior and performance are accurate, not based on stereotypes. Start with the basics here.
If your ADHD colleague has not already volunteered the information, ask if there is any special support that he or she will need, or if there are any issues the group should know about. Help facilitate your conversation with your new knowledge that those with ADHD typically produce ten thoughts in the time others produce one, an ability that yields great creativity yet can also come with easy distraction.
As a group, clearly define the goals of your project, and the main steps it will take to achieve it. If possible, write them down to share with the group and to review at future meetings. Also define the role of each team member, so everyone has a clear understanding of what is expected.
In meeting or discussion settings, curtail digressions or drawn-out, nitpicking conversations. Keep the flow quick and to the point.
Check in with your ADHD teammate throughout the project. If deadlines may be missed or the quality of work is lower than expected, discuss the causes, and brainstorm solutions.
Keep in mind that since childhood, your ADHD colleague has been subjected to embarrassment and shame in moments of poor performance, and may feel panicked or upset if it looks like a major scolding incident is about to occur. Be calm, supportive, and sensitive. Maintain focus on the ultimate goals, and how to achieve them together.
Giving Your Best, as an ADHD Worker:
Be honest with your supervisor, mentor or team about the weaknesses you have, and how you would like to be supported. This can be a casual conversation, not intense or confessional. Simply outline issues that may come up, like blurting or distraction episodes, and explain how you would like your colleagues to respond. It’s better for everyone to have this information out in the open.
To stay on-task and meet your deadlines, take whatever steps you need to: using an egg timer; posting a big, bold list of your goals at eye level; unplugging your internet connection.
Ask your colleagues questions if you feel confused or lost. Apologize, and ask to hear the key points once more.
If nothing else, take your task list and give each item fifteen minutes of undivided attention. Such a small time period is easy to manage, and it’s surprising how much can be accomplished in that window.
Support and Success
Those with ADHD can be marginalized when their coworkers or partners give more weight to the behavioral issues of ADHD than the positives, like tremendous problem-solving skills and energy. The best thing to do is to give the ADHD-er in the group a chance. For everyone involved, this affirmation can be helpful in stressful moments: “I can’t control what anyone else chooses. They will do what they will do. I can love them. I can be brave enough to tell the truth as I see it.”
Even for those conditioned by years of exposure to the negative ADHD stereotypes, it simply takes a change in perspective to understand that ADHD traits can be gifts, not flaws. Coworkers, neighbors and friends with ADHD have special talents, and are individuals worthy of respect and compassion. Sometimes all it takes is a little support, and the contributions of someone with ADHD can change everything.