ADHD and Emotional Autopilot

Those damn emotions!
If I can just set them aside while I work on my task list!

In a fast paced work environment we can feel like we don’t have time to process complex emotions, we can even see them as a distraction. Just as we Global Creatives are prone to approaching our tasks for the day in an ‘autopilot’ mode, we can approach our emotions in autopilot mode too.

What do I mean by autopilot?

We can set our intentions and priorities for the day or week without anticipating potential hazards or obstacles. ADHD challenges with prospective memory (remembering or anticipating what will or may happen in the future) and time estimation come into play. Our Greenlight Planning episode addresses this phenomenon. There is also a little discussed phenomenon called cognitive inflexibility where once we lock into a picture of success (or a way of thinking), we can find it difficult to consider any other outcome. Managing emotions is also executive function demanding, especially when we are caught off guard and surprised into a stronger than desired emotional response.

If we pay attention to our emotions and use them as early warning indicators of an obstacle or challenge we can take hold of the ‘yoke’ and steer our aircraft around a brewing ‘thunderhead’.

Managing emotions more effectively is at the core of better decision-making and inspired leadership. Effective teams enjoy high levels of emotional intelligence. Emotionally resilient leaders have more empathy available for themselves and others and they see value in considering the emotion or vibe in the room. Most important, they are swayed more by inspiration and possibility than fear or urgency. Emotionally resilient teams enjoy more job satisfaction and experience less work stress or burnout. If we pay attention to our emotions and use them as early warning indicators of an obstacle or challenge we can take hold of the ‘yoke’ and steer our aircraft around a brewing ‘thunderhead’.

We can set aside emotions for a number of reasons but sooner or later they will come back and often stronger than ever. Turn your attention to how emotions can be more or a resource and less of something to dismiss or partition in your day.

We dive deep into Emotional Autopilot in this Translating ADHD episode below.