ADHD Boss: Workplace Tips

TIPS FROM A BOSS WITH ADHD ON HOW TO WORK WITH ASSISTANTS:

• Meet on a weekly basis.
• Give permission for them to be vigilant in reminding you to do things.
• Be open and honest about your needs.
• Create accountability.
• Let go of details.
• Have them continually remind you of what you should be doing.
• Learn not to be ashamed of what you need.
• Be honest with yourself and with your helper.
• Give them permission to call you on the carpet.

TIPS FROM ASSISTANTS ON HOW TO WORK WITH BOSSES WITH ADHD:

• Be clear with boundaries.
• Don’t get caught up in their bad moods or overly excited moods.
• Ask them how they want to be reminded.
• If you ask them X and they say No, just drop it. Nine times out of ten, it is just some emotionally irrational response. Give the boss time to think and then re-approach it.
• Stay calm and be honest at all times.

From The Disorganized Mind, pg. 261, by Nancy A. Ratey. Copyright © 2008 by the author and reprinted by permission of St. Martin’s Press.