Episode 17: Cognitive flexibility and innovation: why ADHD traits matter in organizations
Published on 28 January 2025 • Hosted by Dr Lisa Colledge
In today’s fast-paced world, organizations often need to adapt and innovate continuously to remain competitive. But what makes a team truly resilient and innovative? The answer lies in cognitive diversity—the range of different ways that people think, problem-solve, and approach challenges.
In this episode of Culture by Neurodesign, I discuss research highlighting how traits often associated with ADHD can strengthen teams, helping them thrive amid uncertainty. Here’s what the findings reveal:
1. Quick transitions lead to higher gains
Researchers studied participants navigating a virtual foraging environment where they had to decide when to stay with a known resource (a "berry bush") or move on to explore new options. While conventional wisdom suggests sticking with familiar resources will give the best results, individuals with ADHD traits moved on to the unknown before others which resulted in the best overall outcomes.
2. Exploration pays off
Other research showed that individuals with ADHD traits tend to take more varied, seemingly disorganized paths when searching. This approach is associated with the likelihood of finding new information, leading to unique solutions—a valuable trait when teams and organizations need new ideas rather than sticking to predictable patterns.
3. Balance is key
While exploratory thinking is crucial, innovation also requires follow-through. Teams that balance exploratory thinkers with methodical planners, executers and finishers tend to be more effective at both generating and implementing ideas.
Check out episode 14 for more about the different types of contributor to the innovation cycle.
Takeaway for leaders:
Innovation and resilience require a culture where different cognitive styles are welcomes, enabled and celebrated. By building a cognitively inclusive culture, organizations can empower all team members to contribute their strengths, creating a richer, more naturally adaptable work environment.
If you’d like to hear more about these insights, listen to the full episode above. And if this resonates, share the episode with someone who would benefit—building awareness is the first step towards more inclusive workplaces.
If you’d like to read about this research, take a look at my article where I first shared these insights: What’s the blueprint for innovation? ADHD traits and a lesson from evolution.
I'm Lisa, and I help leaders create inclusive cultures that embrace all neurostyles. By empowering every team member to contribute at their best, while fostering mental well-being, you will boost innovation, retention, and talent acquisition—leading to enhanced business performance.
Click here to learn more about how my services can transform your team.
