Resolving Conflict Through Understanding
Conflict in the workplace is rarely the result of bad intent. Often, when there are challenges between people with ADHD and their colleagues it is the result of a mismatch in thinking styles – a disconnect between how an ADHD brain processes information and how a traditional workplace environment operates.
When left unaddressed, these misunderstandings can escalate into performance management issues, grievances, or even “accidental bullying,” where ADHD traits are misinterpreted, and management responses can exacerbate the problems.
A Research-Led, Balanced Approach
My PhD research focuses on the challenges and advantages of ADHD in the workplace. This mediation service is rooted in that dual perspective. Advocating for all who are involved, along with the business itself, at the same time.
Mediation is a balanced process. It involves helping all parties – including managers and colleagues – understand the “why” behind specific behaviours, while simultaneously helping the employee with ADHD understand their impact on the team and the business.
Bridging the gap between ADHD working styles and business requirements.
Why Choose Specialist ADHD Mediation?
Standard workplace mediation often misses the neurobiological nuances of ADHD. My approach provides:
Mutual Perspective-Taking
Helping managers and colleagues of people with ADHD to understand the differences in working styles, and helping ADHD employees to recognise where these differences may contribute to wider challenges.
Risk Mitigation
Identifying the lines between performance management and discrimination, including the increasingly common “accidental bullying” of ADHD employees, helps to protect both the employee’s wellbeing and the company’s legal standing.
Practical Workarounds
Moving beyond theory to find “win-win” solutions that improve productivity and team cohesion.
Legal & HR Awareness
Ensuring correct efforts are made in resolutions, to align with the Equality Act 2010 and Reasonable Adjustment requirements.
The Benefits of ADHD Conflict Resolution
Investing in specialist mediation is about more than just “fixing a problem.” It is about:
Increasing Productivity
Removing the “noise” of conflict so everyone can focus on their work.
Retaining Talent
Keeping high-performing talent within the business, ADHD or not.
Protecting Culture
Preventing the toxic spread of misunderstanding and “accidental bullying” within teams.
Ethical Leadership
Demonstrating a commitment to neuro-inclusion that goes beyond a policy document and into real-world action.
Informal Mediation: Building Bridges Early
Best for early-stage friction or communication breakdowns, this confidential process focuses on building empathy without the pressure of a formal paper trail. Through one-to-one discussions and Perspective Coaching, I help managers and employees “see” through each other’s eyes – balancing the neurobiological “why” of ADHD traits with the operational “why” of business requirements. By facilitating an honest Effort Discussion and implementing Practical Trials, we identify manageable compromises and communication shifts to test in real-time. This provides a clear appraisal of whether the conflict can be resolved through mutual understanding before it escalates.
Formal Dispute Resolution: Evidence-Based Clarity
For ongoing grievances, disciplinary threats, or complex cases, this structured investigation provides an objective, research-led roadmap for resolution. I conduct a Detailed Assessment to determine which friction points stem from unaccommodated ADHD traits versus performance-related issues, including a Willingness Appraisal to gauge if all parties are genuinely amenable to change. The outcome is a comprehensive Formal Report detailing what has been tried and what must be tried next. This expert perspective helps HR and legal teams navigate the nuances of ADHD-related neurodivergence, ensuring decisions are ethically sound, legally aware, and focused on long-term team cohesion.
Ready to resolve a workplace conflict?
Whether you are a manager concerned about a team member, or an employee feeling misunderstood, let’s find a way forward that works for everyone.
Reach Out
Have questions or need assistance?
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+44 (0)7849 091 390
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