Perception is reality - not a good thing

[JimBroni]

I am new here, and I have been recently diagnosed with Adult ADD.

Back in June 2004 I was put on probation at work by my new manager due to inconsistencies with administrative responsibilities. Along with being placed on probation, I have been demoted to an entry-level status (after having 13 years in the field) and my bonus potential has been decreased by 25%. I've shared this situation with my spouse and 3 other trusted co-workers (who don't know my diagnosis), which is a huge leap for someone who keeps personal flaws hidden.

The length of the probationary period was 2 months, which has come and gone, and during that time my manager never discussed with me whether she feels I am progressing or not. Last week someone from HR contacted me requesting 1. psych's documentation of my diagnosis, and 2. specific ways the company can support me with this disability. What resources would I need from my company as I pursue resolution and serentity with ADD?

Although I honestly have admitted my shortcomings and am working hard to improve them, I have earned numerous awards for my hard work and dedication to what I enjoy doing. I would hope someone would observe and even wonder why the dichotomy of the poor vs. good achievements, and believe that I am not trying to cheat them by cutting corners. On paper it would look to someone that I am not working, but that is not the case.

I have been terminated from 2 other companies for administrative duties but I have always had great revenue achievements. I love what I do and I know(humbly) that I'm good at it. I am able to be the passionate, genuine, and resourceful person to my colleagues and customers. It's the paper work that has killed me over the years.

Had I not been placed on probation I would have been promoted and earned a promoted position to what I have been working so hard for. Now, I don't have the faith in HR and managers to NOT be prejudicial towards me should I interview for this desired position. I am not a believer in the "entitlement" mentality, which is why I have worked so hard and achieved so much.

I don't know what other's understanding of Adult ADD is. I am assuming that HR and managers involved are un/misinformed about people with ADD. And if perception is reality, and their percerption of Adult ADD is negative, then I will be viewed negatively and, thus, be unfairly passed over for promotion. Because I have a tremendous amount of pride, I want to do all that I can to provide information to others to heighten their awareness and sensitivity of Adult ADD so I, and others, won't be negatively treated.

In some respects, I want to defend my reputation by providing HR/management education materials that would justify that I am a good, hard-working employee worthy of a promotion. My counselor suggests that I not worry so much about what others think of me, as that is something that I cannot control and that my recognized achievements would be looked at upon consideration for promotion.

So what do you think I should do? Should I be proactive in trying to preserve my reputation? Should I even attempt for this promoted position?
When you were diagnosed with Adult ADD were you concerned about how you will be perceived? Be considered a strong employee?

I know this post was rather lengthy, and I thank you for your time and contributions. This has been a scary ordeal for me, and I am desparate to find clarification and guidance.

[Sarah]

I think you should definitely go for the promotion! ADD shouldn't preclude you from advancing in your career. In the mean time, since your company asked you should sit down with your boss and the HR people and explain to them your strengths and weaknesses. It's really important that you emphasize strengths though. Cite your strong sales performance and your passion for your job. Then say what is holding you back is the administrative work. Ask if there is some way to avoid it, pass it on to someone else, or lighten the load. Talk about how much more productive you will be and how much money you will generate if they take these admin tasks away from you. The way I see they should be happy to oblige. Sales makes money for the company, admin does not and makes you in particular less productive than most.

[mynameisdustin]

I to have had trouble dealing with adult ADD in the work place and noone knows except for a couple of trusted coworkers that I have ADD.

if your intuition is right that your bosses might be prejudice, then don't tell them. ADD is not a completely accepted disorder among the American population and needs to be broken to them slowly. It is a slow transition for American workers to accept people with disabilities. Its sad, but a fact of life. However, alot of companies now recognize that these disorders to exist and it is good that you are seeing a counselor. If you aren't on medication, I would recommend it. My life has improved 10 fold once I found the right medication combination.

I agree with your counselor that if the cat is out of the bag, then you need to stand up for yourself. You won those awards with your talents and you should not be shot down for those. Focus on your weaknesses, but also don't forget what got you to the current position you are at. Also, ask for help, there is nothing wrong with that. I am sure your boss would rather have that then you do it incorrectly all the time.

Luckily for me, the cat is not out of the bag and I intend to keep it that way when it comes to my bosses because they have not won my trust. However, I needed to recognize the fact that I also have a problem that needed to be addressed and I had to lower my pride and go to a therapist and psychiatrist. I finally utilized those services, and now the symptoms have been minimized so that I can chase those promotions.

To conclude my post, I believe that it is important to stand up for yourself and demand what you want in an assertive manner such as if you need help or you feel you deserve that promotion. You will not only win over the bosses respect, but you will also win yourself some respect as well. I believe that at this point in our societies history, people are not completely ready to completely accept people with mental disabilities. I would tell on a need to know basis. But don't let your disability be your downfall.

[ehuggz]

Getting labeled by HR is really emotional. I've invested 20 years at my job, with contionuous promotions. I just found out I've been designated a single-contributor, and have had all of my management duties removed. I went home very upset. I really focused on why I was so upset and realized I felt worth-less, and was afraid I was on my way out of the door. I cried myself to sleep.

After I realized what had me so upset, I was able to focus on a personal sense of worth, realize there are things I am really good at, insight being one, and figure out what I could do to learn management skills and prove to HR I can be a good manager.

After managing through several other very difficult times at work, I've realized the only way to take constructively manage times when I am told my performance is inadequate is to truthfully analyze my actions, find something I can learn from the situation, and move on.

It sounds to me that you are experiencing some of the same problems I am, great at some things, and not at others - perhaps without knowing why. I suggest really thinking about your strenghths and weaknesses, and giving yourself real credit for the things you do well. Perhaps then you can set some goals to help get your place in the workplace back.

Keep in mind, you will need to do something about the administrative duties. I've begun to put tasks in Outlook with reminders set to remember to do the assignments. I often have 20 or more outstanding reminders. My one rule is I can't set the task to completed until its done. That way when I get distracted by the phone, I still have a way to get back on track.

Good luck!