Many can relate when it comes to ADHD and impulsivity. We can make jokes about how quick ADHDers are to ‘add to cart’ or make decisions with friends. We even celebrate impulsivity when it comes to some things. But understanding how impulsivity can show up at work helps you be an intentional leader.
Here are ways impulsivity can show up at work. As with any examples, there may be some that don’t ring true for you. That’s okay! Learning how impulsivity shows up for others can help you in managing those folks or interacting with them in other work capacities.
Interrupting
People with the best intentions, just trying to share their great idea, may do so by interrupting someone else who is still speaking in a meeting or presentation. This doesn’t invalidate the great idea, but it certainly changes how people perceive the idea.
If interrupting breaks a social norm set by a team, team members may choose to meet without the interrupting team member. Leaders may even extrapolate larger conclusions about the person. Being aware of if and when you are interrupting can help as you’re gunning for that next promotion.
Distractions
Distractions are another impulsivity that can get ADHDers in trouble throughout their life. The childhood experience usually involved being scolded by the teacher or parent. We were told to focus on school work, practice our instrument or sport, finish our dinner, and countless other reminders to get back on track.
In the workplace, adults might not have someone willing to say anything and team members might just assume the ADHDer is uninterested or prioritizing their work differently.
Decision Making
Throughout our career, we are expected to hold some degree of decision making power. At each stage in the career, there are also people that likely need to be looped in on decisions – whether to be consulted, or just keep them informed.
If there is an expectation to take a consultative approach, and you unilaterally make decisions that impact your team or the company, this will not be seen in a good light. Before the impulsivity takes the reins, make sure you are clear on what is expected, and who needs to be involved.
Fiscal Responsibility
Some impulsivities are new to adults, or on a much larger scale. Fiscal responsibility might have shown up in your youth if you impulsively bought things as a kid. As an adult, that could manifest into bigger impulsive spending. Instead of the latest toy or cool outfit, it might include big purchases requiring monthly payments. This could land you in debt.
At work, if you ring up huge charges on your corporate card, you will likely have some explaining to do to your leadership team. Many corporations have more hurdles to jump through that coincidentally prevent this, but small businesses and entrepreneurs may not. As the employee, think about downstream impact of purchases, and make sure expenditures are tied to specific business reasons. As the employer, be sure to set clear guidelines for corporate cards or reimbursement policies.
Self-Destructive Behavior
Lastly, impulsivity also leads to self-destructive behavior. Growing up, that might have meant unsafe behavior on the playground, or dating the wrong person in high school. As an adult, this impulsivity can take things too far. This might be having “just one more” drink with the client. It could also be working all night to close a deal or finish deliverables. You might have some short term wins, but de-prioritizing things like sleep and moderation can ultimately hurt you.
Wrapping up
So, understanding how impulsivity shows up, and having the self-awareness to step back or change behavior as needed, are learned responses that serve ADHDers well in professional and personal settings.
MPG loves leveraging the Hogan suite of assessments, in 1:1 coaching and team workshop settings to build self-awareness around ADHD and impulsivity, among other topics. Check out more on the Hogan here.
Ready to work with MPG? Reach out today!
