ADHD online co-founder and CEO.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often considered a disorder that affects a person’s ability to sit still or concentrate for extended periods of time. However, when we question well-known CEOs, we see that this disorder is common among corporate leaders. Common traits associated with ADHD such as being restless and impulsive can become strengths if managed properly as part of the right career path.
ADHD as a superpower
I’ve seen how the flow of ideas and energy of people with ADHD can provide clear advantages in the business world, especially for entrepreneurs who thrive on their ability to be innovative and think creatively.
Properties of business professionals with ADHD have unparalleled energy, an excessive flow of ideas, and a tendency to be resilient and resourceful. Combined with an entrepreneurial mindset, it is unparalleled in how it can provide the ability to adapt and recognize opportunities that others fail to see.
Finding success
When used properly, the traits attributed to people with ADHD can be huge assets, especially in the business world. But recognizing and harnessing these gifts is key to maximizing one’s potential and achieving success. I have firsthand knowledge of the pros and cons of living with ADHD because my journey with it began during childhood. But even at 19 years old, I knew my future was to be an entrepreneur with multiple business paths.
With my partner, also diagnosed with ADHD, I founded a company to improve treatment and diagnosis options for the condition. While leadership and negotiation skills were certainly critical factors in my success, the following key characteristics and practices common to people diagnosed with ADHD were also instrumental and I recommend that leaders with ADHD learn about and develop.
To be a visionary
With so many ideas, it can often be difficult to choose the best one to pursue. Instead of focusing on the overwhelming ideas, I see my inspirations as part of an idea factory. Some form a gel naturally and stick over time, while others need to be thrown away. Keeping this analogy in mind will help you narrow down the ideas worth pursuing and let go of the rest.
Learn to delegate and grow as a leader
Being surrounded by people who don’t have ADHD can replenish your skills. Remaining aware of others and the unique offerings they bring builds stronger teams that are better prepared for uncertainties.
By listening to others and being self-aware, you can continue to grow as a leader and open yourself up to new and sometimes unexpected ideas. Further, by identifying problems in operations and business processes, you continually strive for better, more efficient ways of doing things.
Mixing chaos with process
To be successful, work environments must complement people with ADHD and those who don’t. Finding the value for both the company and the people involved is crucial to ensuring you promote a healthy work environment for all.
Take action and understand risk
Talk means nothing unless action follows. As I noted in a recent interview, “If you never take a risk, you can never reap the reward.” To ensure success, I took many forms of action along the way, including serving as CEO, managing Human Resources and marketing, providing patient support, and even performing cleaning duties.
As part of taking action, becoming proficient in risk profiling is necessary and this includes knowing when to sell risk to others rather than just pursuing risk. It also requires adaptability and the foresight to gauge why one risk materialized and another did not.
To help, finding your rhythm can limit the feeling of going too fast or moving too slowly, both of which can increase your risk of failure.
Have a personal mission
Ultimately, you want to find ways to focus on doing the things today that will take your business ventures where you plan to be tomorrow. For example, I measure the success of my business by the increased number of providers and states served, furthering my goal of supporting others struggling with behavioral issues. Setting goals and missions and reviewing them regularly can help you stay on track.
Achieving the extraordinary
ADHD was once seen as a set of conditions to be suppressed, but as more and more CEOs share their experience, attention is shifting to the positive nature of this diagnosis and how it can be used to one’s advantage. Viewing my ADHD in a positive light has not only helped me achieve success, but it has also given me compassion for others facing the same struggles and has become a motivation that drives my endeavors. Having the right attitude and understanding of my own strengths has taught me to think of ADHD as a superpower that can guide my efforts to achieve extraordinary things.
In addition to what I’ve written here, there are many other valuable resources online to learn more about this diagnosis and for advice on working with the benefits it brings, as well as overcoming some of the hurdles.
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Janice has been with businesskinda for 5 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider businesskinda team, Janice seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.