A good employee gets along with those individuals who surround him at work. It makes for a good working relationship and increases job productivity. For all employees, it is important to have a good relationship with coworkers. This is also true for those employees who have either ADD or ADHD. Yet, social settings can be a challenge for these individuals since their limitations – distractability, inattentiveness and/or hyperactivity – can create difficulties when working with other employees.
Since many projects require group work, employees with ADD or ADHD must learn how to work with others in a proficient manner. They must have interpersonal abilities and learn how to collaborate with other employees. Their manner and behavior affects those who surround them, especially their coworkers. To promote a pleasant working environment and professional interpersonal relationships with coworkers, here are some tips for the employee with ADD or ADHD:
Tip #1: Stop procrastinating
In the article, “ADHD Secrets to Overcoming Procrastination”, the author Linda Walker states that “Overcoming procrastination is a big challenge for adults with ADHD.” People tend to do the things they want to do. If assigned a task that does not captivate the interest of the person with ADD or ADHD, distractions and inattentiveness come into play. As a result, that co-worker will not complete the task and will appear to be inept or lazy. If the task requires collaboration or teamwork, other members of the team will feel anger towards the individual with ADHD or ADD.
The suggestion is to not procrastinate. Set small goals for yourself. Complete the part of the project that you like first. Set a deadline to complete the next part. Often meet with your co-workers so they know that you are meeting the project “head-on” and making attempts to collaborate with them. Remember, employees with ADD or ADHD tend to procrastinate and co-workers may see this as a sign of incompetence or laziness. Prove your co-workers wrong by overcoming procrastination and taking these small steps.
Tip #2: Seek out a co-worker that you trust and/or get along with
Develop a friendship with a co-worker. Eat lunch with that person or have breaks with that individual Besides building a friendship, you want someone that you can trust to provide you with feedback on your projects, ideas and overall behavior. You may not be aware of social cues and may unintentionally upset others. This person can provide you with constructive criticism. That way you can change any negative behaviors to positive ones.
Tip #3: Apologize
If you find that you have done something to bother a co-worker, admit your mistake and apologize. Others will be tolerant and more supportive of your ADD or ADHD if you show that you are concerned about the effect of your behavior on co-workers. Show the other person how you’re trying to compensate for your limitations. Besides apologizing, you can educate others on the symptoms of ADD and ADHD.
Do not fret or be hard on yourself. Try these tips. Hopefully you will make good progress towards working with your co-workers. Remember, the goal is to improve employee relations.
Sources:
Living Well with Attention Deficit. Don't Let ADD Ruin Your Work Reputation, Fixes for Four Common Mistakes. (Retrieved on 1/24/2011)
Walker, Linda. ADHD Secrets to Overcoming Procrastination. Focus! Action! Success! (Retrieved on 1/23/2011)
Tasha Kelley - By day, I am employed as a school psychologist who works with and assesses children with special needs. I have been blessed with a ...
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