Brainworks® - I'm About To Get Fired for the 7th Time!
I'm About To Get Fired for the 7th Time!
"People with ADHD should qualify for bulk rate mail on tax returns because they have at least 24 W-2's"
- Anonymous
| ASK THE EXPERT |
Question:
I can see the handwriting on the wall. My days are numbered. I'll admit that my ADHD behaviors are not helping the situation. My distracted mind combined with impulsivity has caused me to be off task way too many times. My boss likes my creativity, but I think he has run out of patience since I have a bad habit of not taking deadlines seriously. I mean to finish on time, but things just happen. My wife swore she would leave me if I got fired again. Can you help?
Answer:
You are in what my granddaddy use to call "a pickle of a fix!" My first response is a question. Have you ever been medically evaluated by a doctor that has experience with adult ADD/ADHD? Medication can help you if you stay with the plan long enough to find the correct dosage and timing for taking the medicine. For a period of time, you also need to consider using an ADHD coaching system like we offer at Brainworks. You have to be willing to try new strategies if you want to be successful on a consistent basis.
6 Strategies for ADHD Challenges in the Workplace
- The distracted mind
Make a point to carry a notepad with you at all times. When people tell you they want something done, write it down and ask when they want the task finished. Every task needs a deadline. Otherwise, you will forget. If your boss doesn't give a deadline, you need to create your own. All tasks need to be prioritized each morning with your boss. Check off tasks as they are completed, and keep a paper trail of how you are taking deadlines seriously. Show your boss your system and ask if she has any suggestions to improve it. - Impulsive emails or texts
Technology has made it possible to pass on your opinions and thoughts in a matter of seconds. Therefore, if you are upset, remind yourself that you should not post anything that could embarrass you later. Consider writing a draft email and sit on it for 24 hours before mailing it. Bosses also notice how often you are texting while on the clock at work. They may not say anything at the time, but I can assure you a mental note of irritation is made. - Talking too much or not at all
Monologues instead of dialogues can destroy relationships. Set your phone to vibrate every few minutes to remind you it is time to ask a question and listen to the other person. Hyperactive individuals usually dominate the conversation, and they are not aware they are doing it.
If you talk too little, preplan a few interesting current topics you could discuss. Ask the other person his opinion about the topic. - Constantly interrupting at the office
Often annoying people are avoided. You had rather be appreciated than avoided. When you enter someone's office, ask if this is a good time to talk about a certain topic. Keep your notebook with you and jot down topics you want to discuss later and check off topics you have discussed. - Chronic lateness
Your lateness can alienate all your relationships and cost you your job. Your colleagues at work take your lateness personally. They believe that you don't value their time, and your lateness forces them to pick up your slack. Instead of arriving at the exact minute, program yourself to arrive at least 10 minutes early. You can bring a magazine to read for pleasure. However, realize this spare time could be eaten up by a traffic delay. Plan for the unexpected. - The value of an ADHD coach
Even though you may be taking medication, you need life-changing behaviors to break the cycle that has been causing you to get fired. Someone you trust who can point out behaviors that are getting you in trouble can be extremely valuable. A coach can guide you to try new strategies until you see results. Then you want to use those strategies on a consistent basis, at least 21 consecutive days to create new habits. The key is consistency. Brainworks knows you can have job security and a lasting marriage.
Next Topic: ADHD: Why are so Many Females Undiagnosed?
