ADHD in the Workplace: How to Get Promoted Without Burning Out
Mar 24, 2025
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In this insightful discussion, career strategist Kendall Berg, a late-diagnosed ADHDer and founder of That Career Coach, explores how ADHD influences workplace dynamics and career advancement. She debunks the myth that hard work alone leads to promotion, highlighting the importance of strategic networking and self-advocacy. Listeners learn tailored strategies for communicating ADHD to colleagues, overcoming burnout, and leveraging ADHD strengths for career success. Kendall emphasizes the need for personal productivity systems to thrive in corporate spaces.
Networking within an organization is essential for ADHD professionals, ensuring visibility and support in promotion discussions beyond direct supervisors.
Understanding corporate dynamics is crucial, as promotions depend on demonstrating added value and aligning personal strengths with leadership priorities.
Empathy in the workplace fosters a supportive environment where diverse needs are acknowledged, enhancing productivity and employee relations.
Deep dives
Understanding ADHD and Its Impact
Receiving a late diagnosis of ADHD can be enlightening, allowing individuals to understand their behaviors and organizational needs better. For many, signs of ADHD often manifest subtly throughout childhood, leading to misconceptions and a lack of appropriate support until adulthood. The experience of navigating life with ADHD can come with unique challenges, such as burnout and managing high stress levels, influenced by one's background. Acknowledging these factors fosters empathy and aids in developing personalized systems to manage ADHD effectively.
Promoting Empathy in the Workplace
Empathy is crucial in a workplace, especially for managers who oversee diverse teams with varying needs. Understanding that each employee may react differently to stress and communication can enhance team dynamics and productivity. The experience of being diagnosed with ADHD often deepens one’s ability to relate to others’ struggles, allowing for more thoughtful support tailored to individual employees. This approach shifts the focus from expecting uniform behavior to accommodating unique challenges, ultimately fostering a more compassionate work environment.
Networking and Relationship Building
Establishing relationships and networking within an organization is vital for professional growth and opportunities. Employees should not solely rely on their direct boss for recognition; rather, building a network of allies can ensure visibility in conversations about promotions. Intentional networking involves preparing questions to engage effectively with others, allowing them to share their experiences while positioning oneself favorably. This proactive engagement enhances chances of being included in discussions that happen outside of one's immediate presence.
Navigating Corporate Dynamics
Understanding corporate dynamics requires recognizing that promotions are often tied to demonstrating value above and beyond current roles. To effectively position oneself, employees should create a flexible strategy that aligns their strengths with what leadership values most. This involves setting clear, thematic goals while ensuring that communication with superiors emphasizes relevant contributions to organizational objectives. Clarity in the expectations set by one's leadership is crucial for successfully navigating the corporate landscape and achieving career advancement.
Growth Through Reflection and Learning
Facing criticism at work, especially related to performance, can be difficult but presents opportunities for growth. Employees should seek specific feedback regarding their shortcomings, which enables them to develop actionable skills over time. This ongoing reflection fosters an environment where both successes and failures are viewed as learning experiences rather than setbacks. By embracing a mindset focused on continuous improvement and demonstrating a willingness to adapt, professionals can effectively enhance their performance and align with their career goals.
If you’ve ever thought, I work so hard—why am I not getting ahead? or How do I actually position myself for a promotion without working myself into the ground?—this episode is for you.
Skye sits down with career strategist and late-diagnosed ADHDer Kendall Berg to break down what it really takes to succeed in corporate spaces with ADHD. We’re pulling apart the real research behind career growth, burnout, and how to make your ADHD strengths work for you.
What You’ll Learn:
Why “just work harder” is bad career advice (and what to do instead)
How executives actually decide who gets promoted (hint: it’s not just about performance)
The networking strategy that ADHD professionals need to stay on leadership’s radar
How to position yourself for a promotion—even if you’ve struggled with consistency
Want to move up in your career without sacrificing your mental health? This episode is a must-listen.
P.S. Skye here! Whenever you’re ready to grow your business without ADHD overwhelm, here’s how I can help:
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Join my Focused Balanced Growth Program Tired of systems that don’t work for your brain? Get ADHD-friendly tools to stay focused, consistent, and grow your business without burnout. DM me on Instagram with “UNLOCK” to learn more.
Work with me One-on-One Running a 6-7 figure business but struggling with focus, decisions, or scaling? Let’s create a plan that works for your brain. Limited spots available— DM me on Instagra...
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