My unique perspective as a neurodiverse entrepreneur
There are always two sides to every story or situation. Nothing is ALL good or ALL bad. Let me share a few examples.
In terms of being a neurodiverse entrepreneur, I can hyperfocus on a project, I have CRAZY problem-solving skills and I am very in tune with my team’s well-being.
On the flip side, I can have difficulty with networking and socializing (so many people!), sensory processing difficulties (does this world have to be so LOUD? I am trying to focus) and perfectionism. Perfectionism rears its ugly head when I don’t know how to start something like social media stuff.
And as much as this is my personal experience and everyone can interpret things differently, we all have our little superpowers and our kryptonite. Yup, we have all been there, but we can overcome obstacles and also embrace the good.
Leveraging my neurodivergent strengths in business
Many neurodivergent individuals have strong attention to detail, which can be a valuable asset in business. This can manifest in the ability to spot errors or inconsistencies that others may miss. Neurodivergent individuals may also have the ability to hyperfocus, which means they can concentrate intensely on a single task for an extended period of time. This allows for deep work and can result in high-quality outputs in a shorter period of time.
Often enough we might have a unique perspective on the world, which can lead to innovative and creative ideas in business. This can be especially useful in fields that require a high degree of creativity, such as marketing, design, or product development. Thinking outside the box is a true gift and makes your business different from the rest.
Furthermore, many of us have strong problem-solving skills. Manifested in the ability to analyze complex data or situations, think critically about problems, and come up with creative solutions. This is something that is closely tied to our unique perspective on the world but the fact is that, sometimes, our brains can process faster than others and through pathways that many don’t dare to walk.
Lastly, some neurodivergent people have a strong memory and recall, which can be especially useful in business. This is not my case, but it is my VA’s. I always get impressed with how many important little details about clients or projects she can recall. This is also manifested in the ability to quickly bring up useful information during meetings or presentations. Being able to recall personal or precise information not only gets the job done more accurately, but also makes the client feel special and important.
Overcoming challenges as a neurodivergent entrepreneur
Neurodivergent individuals may struggle with socializing and networking, which can be a key component of starting and growing a business. This can make it challenging to establish important relationships with clients, partners, and investors.
Executive functioning refers to the mental processes that enable individuals to plan, organize, and complete tasks. Neurodivergent individuals may struggle with that, making it a challenge to stay organized, manage time effectively, and to prioritize tasks in a business setting. You know what I am talking about LOL
Many neurodivergent individuals experience sensory processing difficulties, which can make it hard for us to be in certain environments, or to execute certain tasks. For example, bright lights, loud noises, or crowded places are often overwhelming and distracting, making it difficult to concentrate or complete tasks.
One of the worse consequences of being neurodivergent can be strong self-esteem issues. In a business environment, this means we might be prone to perfectionism and self-doubt, which can translate into two problems: spending too much time on a task because it never feels good enough, and; having fear to take risks or make bold decisions that can be important for the business. Our overthinking and analysis paralysis slows down our progress and hinders our success. It is hard to get out of our own way at times.
Unfortunately, one of the challenges of being a neurodivergent entrepreneur is prejudice. Stigmas and stereotypes associated with certain neurodivergent conditions are still common, and this is a stone in our pathway to success. This can translate into a variety of problems, such as difficulty securing funding, bias from potential clients or partners, challenges with building a diverse and inclusive team, or even worse things that are not worth mentioning. It isn’t easy being green.
Building a supportive team
Before you start building your team, it’s important to understand your own strengths and weaknesses as a neurodivergent entrepreneur. This can help you identify the types of team members you may need to support your unique needs. We actually understand that one person cannot do it all.
When building your team, look for individuals with complementary skills and strengths that can help support your neurodiversity. For example, you may need someone who is strong in organization and time management to help you stay on track, or someone with strong communication skills to help you navigate social situations.
It’s important to be transparent with your team about your neurodiversity and any accommodations or support you may need. This can help your team understand your unique perspective and provide the support you need to succeed. When everybody is in the loop life/business runs so much smoother.
Building a team that supports your neurodiversity requires ongoing communication and feedback. This can involve regular check-ins to ensure that you are getting the support you need, as well as creating opportunities for feedback and discussion. It’s important to create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their experiences and offering feedback that can help the team grow and improve. It takes a village ;)
Also, building a team that supports your neurodiversity requires creating a workplace culture that values and supports diversity. It’s important to clear expectations for respectful behaviour, foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions, and celebrate diversity in all its forms. Good vibes only!
The benefits of a neurodiverse perspective in business:
As we established already, some of us neurodivergent have keen attention to detail and may be able to identify issues or inconsistencies that others may overlook. This can be especially valuable in areas such as quality control, compliance, and risk management. Think x-ray eyes LOL
Neurodivergent individuals often have a unique way of thinking and processing information, which can lead to innovative problem-solving techniques. They may approach problems from a different angle or use unconventional methods to find solutions.
Some neurodivergent individuals have a high level of focus and persistence, which can be valuable in areas such as project management and entrepreneurship. They may be able to stay on task for longer periods of time and work through challenges with greater determination.
Neurodivergent individuals may have a different way of looking at things, which can lead to creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. They may see opportunities or solutions that others may not have considered.
Neurodivergent entrepreneurs may have a unique perspective on employee well-being and may be more attuned to the needs of employees. They may be more likely to provide accommodations or create a workplace culture that is supportive and inclusive of diverse needs.
When a team is created with a variety of neurodiverse individuals magic truly happens.
