It’s NeuroWorks’ goal to help individuals bring their whole selves to work, showing up authentically, unapologetically and without limitations. When this is the norm of an organisation, performance, growth and results are a given. One important step in creating a work environment where people feel comfortable being their whole selves is recognising strengths. When we recognise strengths in ourselves and in each other, we gain the awareness and confidence to leverage our capabilities so much further. This is important to everyone but particularly to neurodivergent colleagues.
The importance of strengths in neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is simply the natural variations in the way people’s brains think, process information and experience the world. As a result, people are strong in different areas and can offer a diversity of perspectives necessary to establish and maintain a forward-moving momentum.
So, neurodivergent people bring a whole host of strengths to the workplace. The problem is they don’t always feel like that. Messaging around neurodiversity has been overwhelmingly negative for so long that it’s hard for them to see what they are good at and sometimes even feel the need to hide it. Masking our true selves can make us feel safe but blending in doesn’t allow us to be our whole selves with all the strengths we bring.
Whether you are neurodivergent or managing a neurodiverse team, be conscious of highlighting strengths to change the narrative and build confidence.
How to recognise strengths
First, think of a challenge you have experienced at work. For example, I get distracted, I focus too much on the details or I don’t speak up in meetings.
Now, flip the script. What is the strength beneath that challenge? A strength that probably comes so naturally to you that you rarely recognise it.
For example, I get easily distracted but I’m great at multitasking. I focus too much on the details but my work is highly accurate. I’m quiet in meetings but my responses are thoughtful and considered.
How does it feel to acknowledge the good instead of only focusing on areas of improvement? It’s not something we are used to but it’s so worthwhile because it changes how we see ourselves and show up in the workplace.
The mindset shift here is that different does not mean deficient. Often it’s the things that make you different from your colleagues or the established way of working that help you do your best. You don’t need to hide it!
Going forward, I encourage you to be curious about your own strengths and the strengths in the team around you. If you find yourself in a challenging situation at work, follow the curiosity equation. Pause and notice the assumption you’re making. Question yourself about what you could be missing and the strength that might be evident in the situation. Then be open to what else could be true. Curiosity = Pause + Question + Open.
What happens when we recognise strengths
The best way I can describe why focusing on strengths is such a catalyst to success is using a metaphor. The NeuroWork logo is a tree. There’s a good reason behind this.
Each individual is a tree. The whole workplace is a forest of trees.
The roots are our unique strengths as this is what enables us to grow and develop.
The soil is the workplace conditions. They can nurture our roots and growth or deplete us.
Not every tree thrives under the same conditions. There is an element of variation to fully meet the needs of an individual so they can do their best work. Keep that in mind as you think about your own progression and your team.
For some people, having a quiet space without interruptions is a priority. For others, they need autonomy, freedom to think and the ability to ask clarifying questions. Without the right soil, the tree will never reach its full potential.
With that being said, what is your soil? What helps you thrive? How can you nurture the trees in your forest, whether you are a colleague or a manager?
If this topic has resonated with you, I encourage you to watch the recording of the webinar I ran on the benefits of a strengths-focused approach. It goes into more detail and ends with a 30 day challenge on how to implement recognising strengths in your day-to-day work life. Download the whole Thriving Through Inclusion webinar series for free HERE.
If you would like to bring awareness, understanding and skills for navigating neurodiversity in the workplace to your whole organisation, explore the in-house webinar and training programmes we offer at NeuroWorks.
