I always enjoy reading Friday Forward and this article is important for all employers, supervisors and/or peers, to read. What you describe, "they may not excel in interpersonal environments, are bored by small talk in meetings, and can be more direct than people are ready to hear" can be characteristics of neurodivergent folks. In the USA, approximately 15-20% of the population are neurodivergent. These folks are not disabled, but rather think differently. They often struggle to gain employment since a traditional interview is an obstacle. According to research, "the unemployment rate for neurodivergent adults in the United States is estimated to be between 30% and 40%. This is roughly eight times higher than the unemployment rate for people without disabilities, and three times higher than the rate for people with physical disabilities. Some private estimates suggest that the unemployment rate for adults with autism is even higher, at around 85%, many of whom hold at least a Bachelor's degree. Some scientific studies have identified strengths of neurodivergent people, such as creativity, attention to detail, hyper focus, and entrepreneurialism. Embracing neurodiversity at work can help businesses broaden their talent pool and unlock innovation."
I’ve worked in organisations that have tolerated brilliant jerks who were toxic. That ultimately caused teams around them to be unstable and staff turnover was extremely high. People were miserable and there was a culture of psychological toxicity.
Brilliant jerks whose hearts are in the right place can be worked with, appreciated and talked to about their behaviour.
I always enjoy reading Friday Forward and this article is important for all employers, supervisors and/or peers, to read. What you describe, "they may not excel in interpersonal environments, are bored by small talk in meetings, and can be more direct than people are ready to hear" can be characteristics of neurodivergent folks. In the USA, approximately 15-20% of the population are neurodivergent. These folks are not disabled, but rather think differently. They often struggle to gain employment since a traditional interview is an obstacle. According to research, "the unemployment rate for neurodivergent adults in the United States is estimated to be between 30% and 40%. This is roughly eight times higher than the unemployment rate for people without disabilities, and three times higher than the rate for people with physical disabilities. Some private estimates suggest that the unemployment rate for adults with autism is even higher, at around 85%, many of whom hold at least a Bachelor's degree. Some scientific studies have identified strengths of neurodivergent people, such as creativity, attention to detail, hyper focus, and entrepreneurialism. Embracing neurodiversity at work can help businesses broaden their talent pool and unlock innovation."
Great points, thanks for sharing!
Great, thought provoking article.
I’ve worked in organisations that have tolerated brilliant jerks who were toxic. That ultimately caused teams around them to be unstable and staff turnover was extremely high. People were miserable and there was a culture of psychological toxicity.
Brilliant jerks whose hearts are in the right place can be worked with, appreciated and talked to about their behaviour.
The latter I’ll tolerate. The former, I won’t.