SWOT & ADHD in the Workplace
Let’s talk about a simple yet super effective tool you can use to support your staff with ADHD: the good ol’ SWOT exercise! You might already be familiar with it from strategic planning sessions, but here’s the kicker—this exercise can be a game-changer for helping ADHD team members articulate their strengths and challenges, so you can support them in the best way possible. And guess what? It’s not just for your yearly business plans; it works wonders for personal development, too.
So, grab a coffee and let’s break it down.
What the Heck is a SWOT?
SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It’s a classic framework used to analyse a person, project, or business and create a plan of action based on the findings. For ADHD employees, it’s a fantastic way to help them identify what they’re amazing at, where they might need a bit of help, and what external factors could be getting in their way.
Here’s how you can use it to foster better communication, productivity, and understanding for your ADHD team members.
1. Strengths:
We all have strengths, but people with ADHD often have a few hidden superpowers that can light up your workplace if tapped into properly. This section is all about identifying what they’re naturally good at. Maybe they’re hyper-focused problem solvers, creative thinkers, or can come up with fresh ideas at the drop of a hat.
💡 Pro tip: Ask your ADHD team member what they love doing or what tasks make them feel energised. What comes easy to them? Leverage these strengths by giving them roles or responsibilities where they can shine.
2. Weaknesses:
We have enough negativity in the ADHD world, let’s reframe this to ‘struggles’ or ‘challenges’. Our executive functions dysfunction…and with this can bring things like time management issues, disorganisation, or difficulty staying on task. These aren’t "flaws," but areas where extra support or a tweak to the process can make all the difference.
💡 Pro tip: This is where workplace adjustments come into play. Things like flexible deadlines, task management tools, or breaking big tasks into smaller chunks can help turn these "weaknesses" into non-issues.
3. Opportunities:
Opportunities in the SWOT context are external factors that could help your ADHD staff member flourish. This could be things like access to specialised training, coaching, mentorship, or even role adjustments to suit their skill set better. Opportunities are all about growth—where can they excel, and what can you provide to support that growth?
💡 Pro tip: Encourage them to identify career development opportunities they’re interested in. Also, think about how you can create a work environment that allows their strengths to flourish—maybe it’s allowing for flexible working conditions or offering time management workshops.
4. Threats:
Threats are the external factors that make life harder for someone with ADHD. Think things like tight deadlines, constant distractions, or a lack of structure. These threats can lead to burnout or overwhelm if left unchecked. The goal here is to recognise these barriers and figure out how to remove or reduce them.
💡 Pro tip: Openly discuss what’s stressing them out at work. Is the office environment too noisy? Are they struggling with too many simultaneous projects? Addressing these "threats" can go a long way in improving their overall job satisfaction and performance.
Why Bother with a SWOT?
Because it’s bloody effective! The SWOT exercise helps your ADHD staff members not only recognise their own strengths and areas for improvement, but it also fosters open communication between them and you. It gives you a framework to discuss real challenges in a non-judgemental way and helps create actionable strategies for success. Plus, they feel heard, and valued—which is a win-win.
ADHDer’s are EXCELLENT at knowing their flaws. We don’t need to be told. However we are TERRIBLE at recognising our strengths.
And hey, it’s not just for your ADHD employees—everyone can benefit from a bit of a self-assessment from time to time.
Ready to dive in?
Sit down with your ADHD team member for a one-on-one.
Work through the SWOT exercise together. Have them fill out the Strengths and Weaknesses, while you can suggest some Opportunities and Threats based on your observations.
Create a game plan! Focus on how you can amplify their strengths, support their challenges, capitalise on growth opportunities, and minimise threats.
