The Power of Collaboration for Neurodiverse Individuals
Do you know the power of being around other leaders who are moving in a similar direction, with similar energy, and are working to push themselves and grow?
If you’re neurodiverse—whether you have dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or another neurodiverse trait—this energy can be incredibly important for your growth. I can tell you from personal experience and from working with my clients that collaboration is often the key to unlocking potential that we might not even realize we have.
What is collaboration?
Collaboration is the act of working together with one or more people to achieve a common goal or complete a task. It involves sharing ideas, resources, and responsibilities in a cooperative effort.
Collaboration emphasizes teamwork, communication, and mutual support, where each participant contributes their strengths to enhance the outcome.
In a broader sense, collaboration can take place in various settings, such as in the workplace, academic environments, creative projects, or within communities. The key element of collaboration is the collective effort to accomplish something that may be more difficult to achieve individually.
Collaboration: A Strength for Neurodiverse Individuals
When you’re neurodiverse, there is a strong possibility that you are much better at collaborating with others than you are at isolating yourself. This is especially true for individuals with ADHD or autism, where social interactions may sometimes seem overwhelming or difficult.
However, collaboration, when done in the right environment, can be a game-changer. For those with dyslexia, collaboration can provide a space where different perspectives and strengths come together to solve problems more efficiently.
It’s essential to find a balance: you need that collaborative energy from working with a group, but only if the group shares your values and is moving in a similar direction.
Otherwise, being in the wrong group can lead to frustration, burnout, and a sense of being stuck. If you find yourself surrounded by people whose goals and energy don’t align with yours, you may unintentionally be pulled off course.
Realizing Your Collaborative Strength
One of the things I see often with my clients is that they don’t initially realize just how collaborative they truly are.
Many people with ADHD or autism may identify as introverts or antisocial, mistakenly believing that they aren’t good at social interactions. In reality, they are just more selective about the groups they engage with.
I’ve worked with two clients who both initially described themselves as antisocial and introverted, but once they started collaborating in the right spaces, they were amazed at how much their creativity and problem-solving abilities flourished.
These clients discovered that they thrive in certain group dynamics. They realized that their energy was best spent with a small, focused group of like-minded individuals who understood them and valued their strengths. The right group can be transformative, providing a space for them to be their authentic selves while growing and achieving their goals.
The Impact of Collaboration on Business and Personal Growth
Collaboration isn’t just about working with others for the sake of it; it’s about finding the right kind of collaboration.
Take one of my clients, for example, who is a highly skilled musician and part of several bands. They’ve found that the energy of playing in a band—where each member brings their unique talents and ideas—helps them tap into a creative flow that they can apply to their business.
Before this, they felt they lacked creativity and resourcefulness. But now, by harnessing that shared energy, they solve business challenges in ways they never could have on their own.
The power of collaboration is real, especially for neurodiverse individuals who may struggle with traditional ways of thinking or working. In a collaborative space, you’re not just solving problems—you’re creating new ideas and finding solutions that might not be possible in isolation.
This is where the magic happens: when you get out of your own head and into a shared creative flow with others, incredible things unfold.
Building Collaborative Spaces for Success
As a neurodiverse individual, it’s essential to make space for collaboration in your life. But it’s equally important to set boundaries around this time.
I personally have boundaries around my collaborative sessions. When I schedule time to be with a group of like-minded individuals, I make it non-negotiable. I don’t allow other obligations to interfere with this time because I know that being in the right environment with the right people is crucial to my personal and business growth.
For me, being around a group of people who are working on their own businesses, striving to make a difference, and pushing themselves forward brings out the absolute best in me. These individuals challenge me to grow, think differently, and expand my perspective. And I know that if I didn’t prioritize these collaborative moments, I wouldn’t be able to continue to lead and grow in my business the way I do.
A Call to Action for Neurodiverse Leaders
If you are neurodiverse—whether you have ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or another trait—it’s important to recognize the value of collaboration. You don’t need to navigate your path alone.
You can thrive in collaborative spaces, but it’s essential to ensure you’re surrounded by people who lift you up and help you move in the direction you want to go.
Ask yourself: Are you collaborative?
Do you thrive when you’re working with others?
If so, are you actively seeking out the right collaborative environments, or are you isolating yourself in ways that limit your potential?
It’s time to create and nurture those collaborative spaces that will help you expand, grow, and achieve the outcomes you want.
I encourage you to use that creative, collaborative energy to build the life and career you dream of. You have the power within you, and with the right collaborative connections, anything is possible.
About JoyGenea
I’m JoyGenea, an international neurodiversity coach. I specialize in helping neurodiverse individuals harness their unique strengths, including the power of collaboration, to create meaningful change in their lives.
Whether you have ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or another neurodiverse trait, I’m here to help you unlock your full potential.
If you want to learn more about how you can build up your collaboration network schedule a free coaching call with me.