Asking Neurodivergent Team Members To Cover Their Mouths Isn't Leadership
- Brainz Magazine
- Feb 13, 2024
- 4 min read
Written by: Tamzin Hall, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In today's dynamic work environment, diversity and inclusion are vital for creating a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered.
However, despite efforts to promote inclusivity, there are still instances where individuals with neurodiverse traits face challenges that hinder their success in the workplace. Recently, one of my clients shared a troubling experience: their manager suggested they cover their mouths to stop them from interrupting others – a misguided attempt to address a neurodivergent behaviour. This example underscores the pressing need for inclusive leadership and comprehensive support for neurodiverse individuals in professional settings.
The incident my client shared is a prime example of what not to do when managing neurodiversity in the workplace. Asking someone to hide their natural behaviours instead of understanding and accommodating them is not only ineffective but also perpetuates a culture of exclusion. Instead of resorting to such measures, it's crucial for leaders to understand that neurodiversity is a valuable aspect of human variation and adopt strategies that embrace and support it.
As a neurodiversity coach, I firmly believe there's a better way to empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive in their careers. Rather than suppressing behaviours, we should focus on identifying personalised strategies that accommodate their unique strengths and challenges. By creating a culture of understanding and acceptance, organisations can create environments where all employees feel valued and respected.
I firmly believe that the key to supporting neurodivergent individuals lies in collaboration and empowerment. Engaging in coaching sessions with a neurodiversity coach can be a valuable way to facilitate this process (yes, I can provide assistance—check out my website below). It's essential to assist neurodivergent individuals in developing effective strategies that cater to their specific needs and preferences. Moreover, providing guidance and training to leaders (yes, we offer this service too) is invaluable, as it equips them with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively support neurodiverse team members. When leaders grasp and are trained on all facets of neurodiversity, remarkable transformations occur.
It's important to recognise that supporting neurodiversity in the workplace isn't just a moral imperative – in the UK, it's also a legal requirement. Under the equality act 2010, employers are obligated to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including those related to neurodiversity. By neglecting to address these needs, organisations not only risk legal consequences but also miss out on the valuable contributions neurodiverse individuals can make to their teams.
In order to cultivate an inclusive workplace that fully embraces neurodiversity, businesses can take several key actions:
Education and awareness training: Implementing mandatory training programs for all employees to increase awareness and understanding of neurodiversity. These programs should focus on dispelling myths, addressing biases, and fostering empathy towards individuals with neurodiverse traits.
Flexible work policies: Establishing flexible work policies that accommodate the diverse needs of neurodivergent employees. This includes offering flexible scheduling, remote work options, and personalised accommodations tailored to individual preferences and requirements.
Creating mentorship and support networks: Establishing mentorship programs and support networks specifically designed for neurodivergent individuals. Pairing neurodiverse employees with mentors who have similar experiences can provide valuable guidance, support, and a sense of belonging in the workplace.
Investing in neurodiversity coaching: Providing access to neurodiversity coaches who can work one-on-one with neurodivergent employees to identify their strengths, challenges, and personalised strategies for success. Coaching sessions can help individuals develop essential skills, build confidence, and navigate workplace challenges effectively.
By implementing these actions, businesses can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture where neurodiverse individuals are empowered to thrive and contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
Ultimately, creating a workplace that embraces neurodiversity requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. By prioritising inclusive leadership and providing the necessary support and resources, we can ensure that every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their neurodiverse traits.
If you find yourself in need of support in this area and any of the above tips detailed above, I invite you to reach out to me. Whether you're an individual seeking guidance or a business leader looking to create a more inclusive workplace culture, I'm here to help. Let's connect and discuss the specific support your organisation needs to empower all employees to thrive.
Tamzin Hall, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Meet Tamzin Hall, the visionary founder of the Neurodiversity Academy.
With a passion for transforming businesses into highly profitable ventures through people-centric strategies, Tamzin brings decades of invaluable experience to the table. Blending leadership, psychology, neuroscience, and her expertise in neurodiversity with sharp business acumen, Tamzin consistently achieves remarkable results.
At the core of Tamzin's approach is a commitment to work-life balance, fostering a comprehensive understanding of ourselves and others, and ensuring that employees feel not only happy but also understood and successful.
Tamzin excels in guiding leaders to cultivate extraordinary teams, with a particular focus on empowering neurodiversity and fostering high performance.
Backed by qualifications, extensive experience, and an unwavering dedication to excellence, Tamzin and her team stand ready to assist you in building exceptional teams and attaining unprecedented profits through effective management of your neurodivergent staff.
