ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, neurodiversity in sales?

It’s becoming increasingly clear that sales people are part of a diverse set of thought processes.


I’m curious how many of you fall into a category as people who learn, think and process information differently?

Neurodiversity in sales?

Attached poll
*Voting in this poll no longer yields commission.
🐱 Off-Topic
🙏 Mental Wellness
16
RogerSterlingJr
Catalyst
4
Strategic Account Specialist
I have ADD/ADHD. For me, being in sales has been a great fit. I have the freedom to structure my day and my process to what works for me. I'm usually faster at brainstorming and creative thinking. The biggest downside I'm working on is consistency. During my hyperfocus peaks, I'm unstoppable; when I'm low, I'm low. It's largely about finding what works best for you, I think.
ThePiedPIPr
Valued Contributor
3
Enterprise Sales Executive
I am also in this same boat, and I have the same problem with the low times being really low. I do like that I can structure my day; however I want to. 
NorthernSalesGuru
Politicker
1
Manager, Outbound Sales
The freedom to structure your day is so critical!
NorthernSalesGuru
Politicker
1
Manager, Outbound Sales
I totally feel this. The consistency is a struggle for me as well. I have dramatic changes between highs and lows in attention
NoSuperhero
Politicker
3
BDR LEAD
I have ADHD and anxiety and well I smoke a bunch of weed and get over it that way.
NorthernSalesGuru
Politicker
1
Manager, Outbound Sales
Hahaha I mean I’m definitely not far off!
NoSuperhero
Politicker
1
BDR LEAD
Not at all hahahah
sales4lyf
Politicker
2
Business Development Manager
I have ADHD and I think the fast paced environment does me well, also being able to have different approaches in how I do sales really helps 
NorthernSalesGuru
Politicker
0
Manager, Outbound Sales
I totally agree! I think at times my low attention span serves as a strength especially given the pace of the environment we tend to work in
FattySnacks
Politicker
2
Senior Account Executive
I have pretty severe ADHD and I’m not going to lie, sales is definitely where I belong in the business world haha. Working from home has given me the ability to be truly ADD and still get all of my work done
NorthernSalesGuru
Politicker
1
Manager, Outbound Sales
I totally feel this! Work from home has been a blessing in disguise…
HarryCaray
Notable Contributor
2
HMFIC
I think everyone in this generation (assuming most people in here are 25-35 years old) was beat over the head with this ADD/ADHD/etc. thing growing up that it's more common to have been "diagnosed" with it than not.  Unfortunately, over the last few years it's come to light that many of those were unfounded diagnoses.  I'm not saying it doesn't exist or that many people don't actually have it, but I do think it's been an excuse for parents, educators, and doctors who don't know how to handle bright, energetic individuals for far too long.  I was one of those kids back in the day who was told I have ADD.  I certainly don't consider myself to have it.  Glad my mom didn't make me take the drugs that they wanted her to give to me.  
NorthernSalesGuru
Politicker
0
Manager, Outbound Sales
I don’t disagree in some regards. I do however think it’s also been overlooked in many people. I’ve met an increasingly large number of people who are diagnosed later in life (20s and 30s)
FeedTheKids
Politicker
2
Solutions Consultant
I prefer to call it attention to detail
NorthernSalesGuru
Politicker
1
Manager, Outbound Sales
Love it!
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
🦊
I was diagnosed with ADHD in my late 20s.
NorthernSalesGuru
Politicker
1
Manager, Outbound Sales
Likewise! Got diagnosed as an adult in my mid 20s!
RealPatrickBateman
Politicker
1
🔪Amateur Butcher🔪
I have Lexdysia 🙋🏻‍♂️
NorthernSalesGuru
Politicker
0
Manager, Outbound Sales
How do you feel it’s impacted your sales career, if at all?
NotInterested
Catalyst
1
Business Development Manager
ADHD AF over here!!!!
NorthernSalesGuru
Politicker
0
Manager, Outbound Sales
Same!
Outlawbucker
Opinionated
1
Account Executive- Wyoming Territory
I have been very active since I was a kid. I have never be diagnosed but I am convinced I am a little bit ADD or ADHD. I think that it has helped me professionally in my career because I hate not moving. I tend to be able to think of a few different things at the same time and process everything well. That has helped me get more done and stay on top of everything from my daytime job to my nighttime hustle.
Justatitle
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
I’ve seen colleagues that got diagnosed at a young age pop adderall like it’s candy and for them sales worked well because it’s high action and they can keep themselves busy. 
Blackwargreymon
Politicker
1
MDR
I totally feel this.
Kirby
Politicker
0
Sales Representative
I am not neurodivergent. I honestly haven’t noticed that sales people are that different… is this a thing?
NorthernSalesGuru
Politicker
0
Manager, Outbound Sales
I think it’s a thing by the looks of the responses….
NorthernSalesGuru
Politicker
0
Manager, Outbound Sales
I feel as though all of use have some form of active brain to a degree. It’s awesome to hear you’ve been able to manage it well! Sales is def a place for people like us (or so I tell myself hahah)
NorthernSalesGuru
Politicker
0
Manager, Outbound Sales
Yup. I know this feeling. I’m a Vyvanse guy but the ability to zone in with these candies is awesome!
GDO
Politicker
0
BDM
Dyslexia here 😅 had a feeling lots of special people in the community 
MR.StretchISR
Politicker
0
ISR
I have ADD/ADHD. For me, being in sales has been a great fit. I have the freedom to structure my day and my process to what works for me. I'm usually faster at brainstorming and creative thinking. The biggest downside I'm working on is consistency. During my hyperfocus peaks, I'm unstoppable; when I'm low, I'm low. It's largely about finding what works best for you, I think.
Clashingsoulsspell
Politicker
0
ISR
I've dated people from both worlds and I will say it's easier to date sales people. They understand why you work so much, or why you sometimes can't "turn off" so to speak.
38
Members only

How to manage ADHD in sales???

Question
58
24
Members only

Self-Diagnosed ADHD Sales Pros: Do You Pomodoro?

Discussion
41
I...
22% Use a timer and I love it
28% Have never tired it, but maybe this week
50% Pomodoro? Like the Sauce?
156 people voted