Work Better Together

I’m sharing this guide to help make our interactions smoother and more meaningful.

I may be a neurominority with hidden disabilities, but my challenges don’t stop me from doing great work in my workplaces so long as the following circumstances are met. (Here's my LinkedIn profile)

I believe that when we share what we need to do our best work, it’s easier for others to support us and help us thrive. I encourage you to do the same, because it can truly make a difference!

The channels I prefer to communicate via are ...

  • I prefer text-based communication because I process written information more easily than audio. I'm usually reading the captions when we converse in online meetings through Teams or Zoom.

  • Phone calls are for time-sensitive emergencies only. And I turn my phone to airplane-mode during sleep.

  • I regularly check my personal Gmail (which this contact form leads to).

People often say I’m brilliant at …

  • Finding smart ways to solve problems using available resources. I tend to notice patterns and connections that others ight miss. I also think through potential future challenges and suggest constructive ways to improve things.

  • Organizing messy information and fixing missing or incorrect data. I've helped various HR departments declutter and organize their online shared drives, making information easy to retrieve and use. I've also helped them investigate and relocate missing records to piece employees' work history.

I thrive while working when...

  • Communication is clear and direct. I prefer written instructions, minimal small talk, and simple language with no confusion. Short and focused meetings work best for me; I do my thinking best offline. I appreciate meeting agendas sent in advance and follow-up notes afterward. While it may seem like I'm taking a lot of notes during meetings, they are mainly cues for my follow-up actions (not taking notes on behalf of all participants).

  • Expectations are well-defined. I thrive when goals, deadlines and priorities are clear. I move on from projects that no longer feel useful or worthwhile; thus I would like to be informed as soon as possible if the project has been deprioritized or no longer have sufficient budget to work with.

  • I have long periods of deep, focused work and have flexibility in how I work. I work best when I can manage my own time and have movement and sensory breaks to reset my focus. Sudden interruptions can be disruptive and make it hard for me to shift focus. When you require me to attend a sudden meeting (especially if I haven't been kept in the email loop), I would greatly appreciate if you bring me up to speed quickly so that I can be productive in the discussion.

  • I can adjust my environment. I mostly tolerate white noise but often struggle with loud voices and glaring bright lights. I often wear noise-canceling headphones or earplugs when working outside home. At times I need to cool down my body quickly due to unexpected hot flushes (perimenopause symptom).

  • Eye contact is appreciated but not required. Prolonged eye contact can be painful for me. I tend to worry that I might be staring you down.

The best way to give me feedback is ...

  • Be clear, direct, and specific. I appreciate written feedback or bullet points so I can process it at my own pace.

  • Focus on actionable steps. I thrive on knowing what to adjust, rather than vague or indirect comments.

  • Give me time to absorb and respond. Immediate reactions can be tough, so I may need time to reflect before discussing further.

  • Balance strengths and areas for improvement. I work best when I know what’s working well along with what needs adjustment.

  • Avoid unnecessary small talk. A straightforward approach helps me stay focused.