ADHD boss

[Anonymous]

Tips for dealing with a boss with ADHD? He is all over the place and can’t stick to a plan. Or communicates a directive to the team, then 15 min later communicates it out as something completely different. Lots of shiny objects to chase And fire drills.

I like my job but it’s hard to get my actual work done when there are daily “drop everything for this great idea.” Our team is burning out.

I don’t know where to go with this feedback.

[Anonymous]

To a new job. You ain’t changing him.

[Anonymous]

Don't drop things right away. Say that you'll start it tomorrow and see if he remembers.

[Anonymous]

Start to document everything.
“To clarify, per our conversation, you want me to do XYZ as a top priority.”

Then when ABC becomes the shiny object, say “I just want to clarify, you’d like ABC to be prioritized over XYZ”.

Might have to send end of the day summaries of conversations you’ve had.

[Anonymous]

Document everything, including next steps and what happens if you don’t hear from them by the deadline.

See if you can get him to delegate so others can sign off on things instead of him.

Make agendas for meetings and be clear about what you want to accomplish in the meeting at the start.

Good luck! I have been there. I made it work but it was exhausting.

[Anonymous]

How do you deal with a ADHD boss who says they gave you a deadline but never did

This happens frequently

[Anonymous]

A person with ADHD and shitty managers/organizations are not the same thing. There is certainly some overlap, though.

Focus on clarifying your directives and create communications framework and structure. If your manager is reasonable then they will see the benefit and appreciate your initiation as it will improve productivity and will manage burnout amongst the team.

If your manager and/or organisation is just following the money or on their own power trips, then your efforts will not be appreciated, and you'll likely need to find a new job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do you deal with a ADHD boss who says they gave you a deadline but never did

This happens frequently

You ask for a deadline for every single project, and communicate it back in writing. If they do not provide one, you email them with your own.

If this gets you in trouble, or they continue to lie, then you are dealing with a dishonest person which is not the same as ADHD.