A little about ADHD & Leadership...
**Hyperfocus vs Inattention**
Inattention vs. Hyperfocus: Navigating Leadership with ADHD
Leaders with ADHD often experience the paradoxical effects of ADHD inattention and hyperfocus, two seemingly contradictory states that can significantly impact their FEELINGS OF effectiveness. Ayer’s-Glassey and Smilek (2004) unpack these attentional differences to help us understand the implications of productivity.
Inattention
Inattention is the difficulty sustaining focus, like being easily distracted and experiencing reflective or daydreamy periods. For leaders, this can manifest as missed details or forgotten tasks hindering productivity and accuracy.
Hyperfocus
On the other side of Inattention is hyperfocus. A state of intense concentration on a single task, often to the exclusion of everything else. While this can lead to remarkable productivity and deep work, it can also result in neglecting other important responsibilities and missing out on broader strategic thinking. Hyperfocus can be a double-edged sword, providing the ability to achieve great depth in specific areas while potentially causing an imbalance in other duties.
Balancing the Two
The key for leaders with ADHD is to find a balance between these two states, which is truly one of our greatest internal battles. ADHD is often characterized by the challenges moderating these two states. Strategies such as reminders, single-tasking, organizational tools, and regular breaks can help manage inattention. Meanwhile, leveraging hyperfocus for tasks that require deep concentration, while setting boundaries to prevent it from becoming all-consuming, can maximize its benefits. Blocking off spaces in your calendar with a deadline and a scheduled commitment to someone else can be beneficial. But don’t forget to remove all visual and sound distractions and set a timer to keep a sense of balance.
Understanding the dynamics of inattention and hyperfocus can help leaders with ADHD harness their strengths and mitigate their challenges. We can navigate regulating our attention by implementing brain-driven strategies that enhance leadership capabilities and productivity.
Let's Chat about it,
Sherri
Sources
Ayers-Glassey, S., Smilek, D. The relations between hyperfocus and similar attentional states, adult ADHD symptoms, and affective dysfunction. Curr Psychol 43, 11254–11266 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-05235-3.
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