Communication.
We do it everyday, and it is a part of most of our interactions.
Yet, in the workplace, it holds drastically different implications.
Mastering the art of effective business communication can do wonders for your productivity and morale. It can also open the door of opportunity. Yet, ADHD tends to make communication difficult. Remembering things, gathering your thoughts, and controlling your impulses are much harder; this gets in the way of how you speak, and and how you listen to other people, too.
This is not your fault.
We’re bringing you some quick tips on dealing with feedback to ensure that you are your happiest, healthiest, most fulfilled self at work.
Many ADHDers are much more sensitive to criticism and critique - this is totally normal. You may be experiencing rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD). For those experiencing RSD, the amygdala, which is the emotional command center of our brain, gets hijacked - and the fight, flight, or freeze response takes over the body.
Even if you know constructive feedback is good for you, it may still be hard to regulate our defensive emotional responses towards it. To make this process easier, it can help to better understand why our emotions can get in the way:
Feedback is tough on everyone, and can be especially so for folks with ADHD. But, if approached in a healthy way, not only does it bring you one step closer to fulfilling your professional goals–it also opens up a window for immense personal growth.
Improving your ability to receive feedback at work is not a quick and easy process. It may take time and practice. If you find yourself in need of support, ADHD coaching may be beneficial. A Shimmer ADHD coach can help you identify the people, environments, and situations that tend to trigger RSD. They’ll guide you through tools and strategies for dealing with feedback both in the moment, and afterward, when your brain wants to spiral. Don’t let ADHD stand in the way of professional growth–try Shimmer today.
Curious to hear more about feedback? Check out our co-founder & CEO, Chris Wang’s podcast episode with the ADHD reWired podcast (#1 Adult ADHD Podcast) here.