Hello Professionals!
Today I want to share some of the challenges I faced during my corporate life. And to be honest, still do.
Probably one of the most significant challenges I faced was mastering clear, concise, and effective email communication. For someone neurodiverse like myself, what seemed like a straightforward task often turned into a daunting challenge. Staring at the screen, I would write and rewrite sentences, grappling with how to convey my message without coming across as too harsh or misunderstanding the nuances of tone and context. Had I been able to simply walk over to a colleague's desk to discuss my needs or thoughts directly, the whole process would have been far more efficient.
The core challenges for many neurodiverse individuals in similar situations include:
1. Risk of Being Misinterpreted: Directness can sometimes be perceived as harshness or rudeness.
2. Overthinking: Attempting to consider the other person's perspective can lead us down a rabbit hole of scenarios, complicating what should be a simple message.
3. Losing Focus: With the turmoil of thoughts and emotions, the initial purpose of the communication can be lost, leading to frustration and self-criticism for wasting hours in one task.
If this resonates with you, here are three practical tips I use to navigate these communication challenges:
1. Use Templates/Structures for Common Responses: Start with a basic structure for frequently sent emails. This can help keep your messages on point and reduce the time spent overthinking each word.
2. Break Down Your Message: This one is my favourite. Before you start writing, jot down the main points you need to cover. This helps maintain focus and ensures you convey all necessary information without getting sidetracked.
3. Seek Feedback: Share your drafts with a trusted colleague or mentor who understands your communication challenges. They can offer insights on how your message might be perceived and suggest adjustments to tone or content.
Remember, recognising and addressing our unique challenges is a strength, not a weakness. We can adopt strategies that play to our strengths to overcome challenges in communication and thrive in our professional environments.
If you are neurodiverse like me, please seek advice and support. You don’t have to do this alone.
With love and compassion ❤️
Angela Quiñones-Teran
Transformational Change Coach
ICF- EMCC-MBA
