Help! I think my boss has Adult Attention Deficit Disorder?

Question

I found on online test for the disorder, and she passed with flying colors. It's kind of touchy, cause I don't want to hurt her feelings, or tick her off, but. . she is maddening to work for. She is disorganized, loses things (and blames staff), starts 20 projects a day, never pulls anything in, get huffy with people, is overall anxious, bops from subject to subject, etc, etc.

Oh yes, and she owns the business.

Answer 1

Well, if she owns the business, she must be doing something right -- if only hiring competent workers.

I wonder if there is some sort of support group for people who have to deal with ADD adults? I'm sure there is one for parents. You might join one of the on-line groups, and see if there's any helpful tips there.

I just think if you bring it up, you'd better be prepared to look for a new job. This is the kind of touchy subject where "shoot the messenger" comes before "contemplate the message."

If you find some helpful coping tips for her, though, you might discretely point them out. Re-type them so there's no mention of ADD, or the reference is really fleeting. Or explain them if she's a more audio-type of person.

Good luck. It sounds like she is a nice person, even if her work habits are tough to work around. Be flexible, and it can be a learning experience for you, too.

Answer 2

I have Adult ADD and it is a very touchy subject. I wouldn't say anything to her unless you have a very open relationship and you really think she'd want to know what you think. I'm being treated for ADD but medication isn't 100% and you can't be on it the rest of your life. A diagnosis may not help a lot. It could really upset her if you mentioned it. Maybe you could only bring it up if she says something about how her disorganization really upsets her or something. If not then I'd just keep it to myself. It does sound like she has an extreme case, though!!

Answer 3

did you know that being disorganized can burn off calories.
You don't have to have ADD to be disorganized. I am the most disorganized person on the face of this earth. I love it.
If I didn't have to gripe or look for something I would be even lazier than I am now. So when things are disorganized in my house that means I have to get up off my butt and move about and get what it is that I am looking for. Might not be good for arthritis but it gets me "Moving" and if I mouth off then it is my fault that I am the way I am. Just ignore her. She is probly a happy camper inside just doesn't know how to use it to her benifit.

Answer 4

Okay, touchy subject here. She probably feels that instead of being disorganized she is actually a type A personality who just has too much to do. What she needs to do is simply hire you as here executive assistant, you may even want to submit your resume to her pointing out that she herself has shown you enough of the business that you could become one her best assetts.

Answer 5

I know it's hard to work that way, but some people work best under those conditions. I have ADD and that is exactly how I work...I would die if I was forced to sit in a hard desk and focus on one task at a time. It drives my professors nuts. I think you just kind of need to deal with it (I know that sucks to hear), but you might consider switching jobs if yours isn't working out.

Answer 6

Reality Check: If you find it undesirable to work there, you can always find another place to work.

If you are seriously concerned for your boss' health as a human being, then maybe you could just have a private talk with her and tell her that you are concerned that her quality of life is not as good as it could be. If you are just bugged by her behavior, it's best to leave it alone and find another job if necessary.

Answer 7

you should find out who his doctor is and talk to him about it.