Managing in a Neurodiverse World
Background and Objectives
In an increasingly complex world, managing in a neurodiverse world and understanding and navigating such an environment become essential for creating inclusive workplaces.
In May 2025, the Business Design Centre hosted a dedicated one-day training course for its management team, focusing on Managing in a Neurodiverse World. This initiative was designed to equip managers with the awareness, skills, and strategies needed to effectively support neurodivergent colleagues. As a result, it fosters an inclusive workplace culture aligned with the Centre’s commitment to diversity and well-being.
Programme Overview
The course aimed to:
- Increase understanding and acceptance of neurodivergence among managers, which is crucial for managing in a neurodiverse world.
- Reduce stigma related to neurodivergent behaviours in the workplace.
- Promote inclusive management practices and improved communication.
- Highlight the unique strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to teams.
- Provide practical tools to support employee well-being and psychological safety.
- Encourage adaptations and accommodations that enable success for all team members.
Key Content
Delivered as an interactive, participatory session, the one-day course engaged six managers in a combination of discussion, exercises, and reflection. Key components included:
- Introduction to Neurodiversity: Managers explored core concepts and language. They differentiated between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. In addition, they adopted a paradigm shift towards inclusion, which is essential for effective management in this setting.
- Personal Reflection: Participants considered their own experiences with neurodivergence in personal or professional contexts and shared initial perceptions. Managing in a neurodiverse world requires such personal insights.
- Practical Exercises: Activities such as the “Old Lady, Young Lady” optical illusion and drawing with the non-dominant hand provided insight into differing perceptions. The challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals were also highlighted during these exercises.
- Masking and Communication: Managers examined the concept of masking. They practiced declarative language techniques to reduce pressure and empower team members.
- Executive Function Challenges: The group discussed common executive function difficulties like time management and emotional regulation. They engaged in storytelling exercises to build empathy and understanding, which are vital when managing a neurodiverse team.
- Accommodations and Inclusive Work Practices: The course emphasised the importance of asking all team members about their preferences and dislikes. Tasks were tailored accordingly. Additionally, creating a psychologically safe environment was crucial.
- Interactive Group Activities: Exercises such as “Deliberate Misunderstanding” and the “Invisible Gorilla” selective attention test illustrated communication nuances and cognitive differences.
Desired Outcomes
Feedback from the Business Design Centre’s managers highlighted several impactful outcomes regarding their experience of managing in a neurodiverse world:
- Increased Awareness and Empathy: Managers reported a deeper understanding of neurodivergence as a natural and valuable aspect of human diversity.
- Shift in Management Approach: Participants appreciated the shift from “fixing” to “supporting” neurodivergent behaviours through inclusive practices and accommodations. This reflects a key aspect of managing effectively in a neurodiverse world.
- Practical Communication Tools: The declarative language framework was praised for its immediacy and effectiveness. It is useful in reducing misunderstandings and empowering team members.
- Commitment to Psychological Safety: Managers recognised the importance of creating safe environments where neurodivergent individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.
- Ongoing Resource: The Business Design Centre committed to integrating these principles into ongoing leadership development. Moreover, they aim to provide continued support for neurodiversity inclusion.
See What We Can Do For You
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The Managing in a Neurodiverse World course opened my eyes to how simple changes in communication and mindset can make a huge difference. I now feel better equipped to support my team members authentically and create an environment where everyone can thrive.
