Social Skills in the ADHD Workplace

Social Skills in the ADHD Workplace

Social skills are often a critical part of how effective we can be in the workplace. They are a measurement of how we are perceived as a contributing member of the team. Some social skills can be learned from great organizations such as Dale Carnegie Organization or Toastmasters. Others that typically might be caused by ADHD symptoms may need addressing with an ADHD professional. These include, but are not limited to, symptoms such as impulsivity (causing one to blurt out things while others are speaking) impatience, irritability or lack of focus (not focusing and therefore not understanding or remembering what others are/have said.)
Let’s start by looking at some of the things that Toastmasters might be able to help you learn. For around $75- 100 per year membership, you can choose the well known track to learn to be a public speaker or you can select the lesser known track of leadership development. Some members chose to do both.

In the public speaking track, you begin by getting in front of a group of people (usually 6 – 24 people or larger) and your first assignment is called an icebreaker. You get up and talk about yourself, a topic you know better than anyone else in the world. This way even if you make a mistake, no one would know because you are the expert on you. I have known many people at Toastmasters go from being unable to speak before the 6 person group, go on to become very effective speakers in large groups. Many people are there simply to overcome their social fear and discomfort. One could expect to learn how to make better eye contact, how to prepare a simple presentation, how to notice social cues in the audience and adapt accordingly, how to engage ones voice and body in delivering the message.
On the leadership track, one might expect to learn how to inspire others, persuade or excite them to take action, to get practice in prioritizing and organizing tasks and to meet new people.

So given that social skills can make such a huge impact on our experience in the workplace and with relationships, it is worth some investment of time, energy and money to improve your ability to understand and adapt to the social cues in the workplace. For the communication challenges that seem directly caused by ADD symptoms, some other areas to explore might include proper medication and/or working with a coach or therapist on skills training and handling any fears or emotional issues that are interfering with having social grace. You may also want to develop a more clear sense of daily purpose or a purpose in ones work and life. As a bonus with Toastmasters, chances are high that you will also make some great friends that are on the same journey.