Newsletter Archive

OCTOBER 2009

Executive Function at Work, Part Two:
Slow Processing Speed? Be BOLD!

This is the second in a series of articles about managing executive function challenges at work. Executive function relates to a person's ability to plan, prioritize, manage time, comprehend the big picture, change course and make good decisions. 
 
Within the workplace, slow processing speed is one of the more challenging aspects of Asperger's Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD) to manage. It is frustrating and anxiety-provoking when a supervisor fires off a long list of instructions, when colleagues keep changing topics during meetings or when you are barraged with one question after another. Many of my coaching clients express concern that their slow processing might make them appear "dumb" to co-workers.
 
Unfortunately it is not possible to speed up the rate at which your brain can process information. But there are things that you can do to compensate for slow processing speed. The following 10 suggestions are from a business owner with Asperger's Syndrome (who asked that his name not be published). Of course not every suggestion will apply to your particular situation, but chances are you will find at least one good idea in this list.

#1. Be bold. Ask to be the chairperson and run the meeting so you can limit who talks and when. It annoys some people but will also get you noticed in a positive way too.

#2. Be bold. If you miss a point, ask for clarification or for the point to be repeated. It'll slow things down but I'll bet there will have been someone else who missed the point too and was just too afraid to speak out.

#3. Get an assistant to join you in meetings or identify an ally with whom you can compare notes and discuss anything you've missed.

#4. Remember what you're good at: seeing connections that others can't. Be bold and remind others that this valuable skill comes with a price; that annoying tendency to ask the daftest of questions at totally the wrong time, because you're already onto something new.

#5. Relax. At the end of the day, it really will all come out well. Others are often not as quick or clever as they would like you to think they are, so don't worry.

#6. Take time out to meditate and think about the day's events. Pray, if you're minded that way. The things you missed are often still in there somewhere and you can recall and deal with them.

#7. Be as open and friendly as you are able. Use humour. People with Asperger's Syndrome often have a quirky way of looking at the world that can be really funny and it's often appreciated. Self-deprecation works for me, but then I'm British and we're all a little weird, really.

#8. Be bold. You win nothing by suffering in silence. The more you take part and the more you contribute to a discussion, the more power you can earn. You succeed in business by being noticed and for the value of your contribution. If you are only going to say one thing, make it count and make it loud. Then volunteer to take the action you suggest and get the people around you who can help you deliver.

#9. Here's one that is pure Aspie: who needs social cues anyway? Cut through the crap and get to the point. Does this business want to move forward or not? You've gotta say it gently, with a smile, though! Tell people to be straight with you or not bother, because you haven't the time for anything except the most important things that will drive the business forward and they can expect the same from you so quit with the second-guessing already!

#10. Have fun! What's the worst thing that can happen?

Noteworthy Link

In the August issue of the Asperger's & NLD Career Letter I mentioned a Danish company called Specialisterne that specifically hires people on the autism spectrum to take advantage of their strengths.*
 
There is another company, based in Sweden, which follows the Specialisterne model. Left Is Right and has prepared what I think is an outstanding Company Presentation that describes their business and how it is based on the strengths of individuals with Asperger's Syndrome. Here is a link to the English version of their Presentation: http://www.leftisright.se/images/stories/12_lir-presentation_english.pdf 

© 2009 by Barbara Bissonnette, Forward Motion Coaching