153. A Neurodivergent Approach to Performance Management - extended episode

In this fifth in our focus on Maximising Performance, we explore how to enable neurodivergent people to perform in their work and considering the richness of actively encouraging different brains to have a voice and contribute in a workplace. Joined by the inspirational Karen Tootill  we explore how to unlock the benefits of including different thinking perspectives rather than seeing it as a tick-box exercise.  Rather than 'dealing' with someone who is e.g. dyslexic or autistic its about actively encouraging that person to excel and be at their best to enable that unique benefit.  From practical tips like giving someone adequate preparation time, setting them up with a Mentor or simply raising awareness with team education, those organisations who enable ND people to thrive will be at a competitive advantage to those that don't.  For those managers who think its not worth the effort...if innovation is important, then can you afford not to? Just consider all those that work in Silicon Valley - most of the tech advances in the past 20 years have come from neurodivergent brainpower.  We can see from the generation of children currently at school, that this is a huge topic and one that is only going to become more important for workplaces. This is a new and emerging topic for many of us, so we welcome your feedback and contribution.We reference this enlightening LinkedIn article from Professor Amanda Kirby in her explainer on What's Your Neurodivergent Bias Fancy a deeper dive? Check out our relevant episodes:Ep. 105 Inspiring Others to Succeed - with inspirational retail leader Amy MorganEp. 97 Summer School - G is for Growth MindsetEp. 76 Embracing Diversity of Opinion - with equity & inclusion expert Nzinga Orgill Ep. 42 The Wonders of Neurodiversity - the Future Needs Different Thinkers w/ headteacher Julie Bravery