AdminSecret

Be patient and ready for change.  Be prepared to have him ask you to do something then change his mind then change it back again.  Sometimes I have to, say, print something for my boss four times and the fourth time is exactly the same as the first.  Or I can plan a meeting only to cancel it only to replan it again at the last minute! 

It doesn't even bother me anymore.  Yes, I sometimes waste a lot of time and resources but in the end he is happy and the job is done and that is what really matters.

Working for someone with ADD can present special challenges.  One important thing to remember is that persons with ADD are easily distracted.  If they are interrupted while working, it takes them a long time to regain their train of thought.  Things you can do to help are:

• Set aside quiet time on the calendar a couple of times a day for him to work uninterrupted.  Several shorter times during the day would probably work better for him than one longer period that many bosses prefer.


• Don't interrupt him when he's talking.  If you distract him, it'll be harder for him to finish what he's saying.


• Limit interruptions during his work time.  Save up messages and questions that aren't urgent and give them to him at specified times.


• Try to keep clutter off of his desk.  He needs to concentrate on one task at a time. Better to keep files at your desk and have him ask for them as he needs them.


• Try to keep the office environment quiet while he's working.  Keeping his door closed is a help, but also trying to keep your voice down if you need to answer the phone or talk to a visitor.

While most of us learn at a young age to tune out distractions, this never happens with people with ADD, so the most important thing you can do for your boss is minimize anything that could be distracting.

I worked for 'that guy' once. Total fart in a skillet. The only thing I can say is stay flexible, you will need it. And stay patient, you will need that, too.

Taesma says ...

Jodith, that is a lot of excellent advice!

I have ADD myself, and there are times when doing my job is quite the challenge because I am NOT the boss, and I don't have the luxury of someone who would take those factors you mention into consideration.

I'm very good at what I do, and when I can tune out distractions and focus I can be whiz-bang at researching, organizing, etc. But oh, what I would give for someone who could do those things you suggerst for ME! Lol!

Thanks, Taesma.  I have a friend with Adult ADD, and I learned a lot from him what it's like for someone with the condition.  I think most people really don't understand what ADD is and what problems it causes.  So many have misconceptions about it, which is why I was so happy to meet someone with ADD who could so clearly explain the challenges of the condition.