Summary
After speaking with several colleagues in the DesignOps space, Jessica noticed a trend. Many of them, like herself, had ADHD. Another Observation: DesignOps is a field where those with ADHD can thrive. People with ADHD are often best suited to jobs that are purposeful, fast-paced, allow autonomy and involve lots of variety (as well as risk taking). The characteristics of empathy, energy, passion, and hyper focus under pressure which come with ADHD, make ADHD a DesignOps superpower. Don’t have ADHD? Come learn more about how to work well with some of your colleagues who do! Takeaways An understanding of the types of skills and personality traits that are beneficial in a DesignOps role. How to encourage neurodiverse hiring practices. How to inspire and empower individuals to consider a career in Design Operations.
Key Insights
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ADHD is often undiagnosed in women due to differing symptom presentation.
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Women with ADHD may be seen as chatty or forgetful, rather than inattentive or hyperactive.
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Jess compares ADHD to having a race car engine for a brain with bicycle brakes, emphasizing the potential strength and speed when properly managed.
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ADHD can thrive in dynamic environments that keep individuals engaged and focused.
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Proper strategies and therapy can help manage the challenges of ADHD, turning perceived weaknesses into strengths.
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Jess has observed that many of her colleagues in design operations are also neurodivergent, indicating a high prevalence in the field.
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Hyperfocus can be a superpower for people with ADHD, allowing them to deeply engage with tasks they find interesting.
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Clear and explicit feedback is crucial for individuals with ADHD, as they can be sensitive to rejection.
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Involving neurodivergent individuals in the design process enhances inclusivity and addresses diverse cognitive needs.
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Creating team charters and openly discussing work preferences can help foster understanding among team members.
Notable Quotes
"I said I'm ADHD."
"ADHD can also be quite good at masking."
"Having ADHD is like having a race car engine for a brain but with the brakes of a bicycle."
"In the right situations, ADHD can actually have a lot of drive to get it done."
"I know I crave the satisfaction of achieving something and taking it off to get that little hit of dopamine."
"It's really important to know that ADHD isn't actually a deficit of attention, but instead trouble regulating it."
"The best advice I ever received was to find something in every project that interests you."
"I've learned to be very organized to function and really get the best out of my brain."
"Everyone may have different energy levels depending on the time of day."
"The difference is for those with ADHD, these symptoms are chronic and debilitating."
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