Fifteen ways to support neurodivergent leaders at work
We might wonder how we can change our neurodivergent employees’ behavior to fit into the way we do everything at work. It is not unusual for neurodivergent leaders to seek executive coaching to stop the behavior unique to the way their brains work, so they can operate like other people.
Instead of trying to fix, we might use a strength-based approach to support neurodivergent leaders, the way we support other leaders to perform their best.
Supervisors can easily move from wondering, to doing. Here are ideas to get you started. As with neurotypical leaders, not all solutions work for everyone, so approach with similar flexibility and experimentation.
Schedule deep work during peak focus windows to time-block work based on energy
Reserve low-energy times for admin work or meetings
Use visual time tools like color-coded calendars
Use visual time tools like countdown timers
Use Kanban boards for visual status: To Do / Doing / Done
Replace to-do lists with “today lists” with 3–5 priority tasks per day max
Separate “nice to do” from “must do” on “today lists”
Create external deadlines using calendar reminders well before due dates
Automate nudges on calendars instead of relying on memory
Use external accountability with weekly check-ins focused on priorities
Use external accountability with shared task boards with high visibility
Delegate or share executive tasks using note-taking during meetings
Use follow-up emails to delegate executive tasks
Normalize task renegotiation by adjusting scope or deadlines early
Normalize task renegotiation by giving explicit permission to ask for re-prioritization
The more we learn about brain science, the more we discover that brain difference in humans may not be as unusual as we once thought; and our brains have beautiful plasticity which makes them highly adaptable.
Surely, we can find ways to seek, find, and support the unique genius in everyone.
P.S. — We have a growing list of ways to support neurodivergent leaders at work. At YOUR NEXT HARVEST, we are happy to partner with your organization to structure support for your employees.