It is outdated to treat others as we would wish to be treated.
It seems to me more than ever we are aware of others, yet more than ever we are ignorant of our impact on others.
During a recent client session we were discussing leadership styles, they said they believe a dictatorial style can be demotivating and devaluing, but they did have to employ it recently at a presentation. The person speaking was almost drowned out by members of the audience having aside conversations, the laptops constantly beeping and the sound of keyboards tapping. They found the noises distracting and disrespectful to the speaker. So they asked everyone to silence their devices and for only one person to speak at a time.
These sounds were over stimulating both aurally and visually to my client.
Coincidentally a recent CPD course helped me to understand the needs of the neurodivergent population both in my coaching and counselling practices and in my client’s workplaces. Neurodivergent colleagues explained how they experience the world; how a colleague typing on an open laptop can cause them to worry about what notes they are typing, where another might be unable to concentrate with the constant noise. Light sources can also be overstimulating and too many people talking becomes overwhelming. It led me to think that there are times when I too cannot concentrate due to distractions, where others seem unconcerned and unnoticing. My client may or may not be neurodivergent and neither may I but all of us are unique and respond differently to stimulus.
As an NLP practitioner one of the presuppositions we work by is; ‘the meaning of a communication is the response that it gets’. For clarity we believe that we are responsible for understanding how the other experiences their world so we communicate our message in a language they will understand.
We all perceive the world in our own unique way, so next time you are in a meeting treat others as they wish to be treated, they are different to you. Perhaps ask if its ok and clarify why you need to use your laptop. Check in with others if the environment is ok and no you cant multi task; ask @daniellevitin @theorganizedmind, be respectful, give the person your full attention or if you really are too busy - don’t attend.
If you are a leader in your organisation, neurodivergence in your workforce is beneficial for every business, but don’t make them have to fit in and hide behind a mask. Be open to their needs and let them show who they truly are, you might be surprised.
