All aboard the ADHD hype train!
Beyond the cognitive aspects of ADHD, there's a set of personality traits that come with the package. These traits gave me a leg up as I built my scribbling career. Stuff I never thought about at the time, but in hindsight, proved valuable to the teams I was lucky enough to be part of:
Enthusiasm and Infectious Excitement
Those of us with ADHD have boundless enthusiasm for our projects. We don't just work on something; we throw ourselves into it with unwavering excitement. This infectious energy can catalyze the entire team, igniting a collective passion for the project. Being thrilled and confident about the work made other folks feel like we were onto something and that if it went south - I’d be the one running off the end of the plank into the waiting jaws of all the sharks.
A Zeal for Collaboration and Idea Exchange
Folks with ADHD tend to be open to new ideas and genuinely excited about the contributions of our collaborators. We view brainstorming sessions not as work but as exhilarating exchanges where creativity thrives, like an invitation to a playdate. Our excitement to engage with diverse perspectives leads to richer, more innovative outcomes.
Confidence in the Face of Challenges
ADHD often comes with a confidence level, especially when tackling ambitious or unconventional creative missions. This self-assurance can be contagious, inspiring the team to embrace the challenges as opportunities rather than hide from them. Very often, when others were overwhelmed, my ADHD brain was already brainstorming solutions. Many of them were terrible, but they kept us moving forward and helped us find the “good stuff.”
Thriving in Chaos and Adapting to Change
When unexpected reversals occur and a project starts veering off course, ADHD brains activate. Chaos doesn't deter us; it invigorates us. We thrive in environments of change and uncertainty. While others may be flustered, those with ADHD remain cool under pressure, ready to pivot, adapt, and stoked to start hunting for creative solutions.
The Drive for Continuous Learning and Exploration
Boredom is the nemesis of my ADHD brain. I’ve learned to battle it by constantly seeking new challenges, sources of inspiration, and ideas to noodle with. In the context of a creative team, this drive for the shiny can infuse fresh perspectives and novelty. Whether adapting software development methods to facilitate the writing of Heroes for NBC or using my tech curiosity to experiment with transmedia storytelling, I was - still am - always looking for new skills to acquire and apply.
The Creative Spark of 'What's Next?'
After a successful project launch, many folks rest on their laurels. Those of us with ADHD are already getting bored and eyeing the horizon. Our innate 'what's next' mentality can keep the team from getting complacent. It can encourage a culture of innovation and forward-thinking vital to surviving the creative roller coaster. This trait isn’t quite as infectious. Most folks are happy to take a victory lap and chill. You might find yourself forging forward solo.
Those of us with ADHD personalities bring a unique and dynamic dimension to creative teams. Our enthusiasm, openness to collaboration, confidence in adversity, adaptability in chaos, hunger for learning, insatiable curiosity, and mental inability to play poker or hold a grudge can empower a creative culture.
Let neurodiversity be your force multiplier!
