Working For A Boss With Autism
Working for a boss with autism is interesting, to say the least. Some were excellent teachers and made work a pleasant experience. Others, let’s just say could have used some polishing up on their people skills. None of that compares to working for a boss on the autism spectrum. Having an immediate supervisor with Autism can be both fascinating and excruciating. For example, for those willing to put in the extra time to increase knowledge and improve skill levels, there can be no better person to learn from. They can be perfectionist and may not understand why everyone in the company doesn’t work obsessively long hours – just like them. Further, be prepared to witness emotional outbursts ranging from the depths of despair to the heights of euphoria. If you can accept working for a demanding supervisor, there are benefits that can enhance a career path.
Sometimes employees want a boss who will push them in their quest to be the very best in their field. If that is the case, having an Autistic boss may be the right fit to get you all the way to the top. Staying the course with this type of mentor will force you to not only learn your job, but master every aspect of it. Additionally, developing so called “soft skills”, which are in decline according to many career experts, is always a good investment towards future career goals and personal development. Moreover, having the ability to work with other employees on the spectrum will bode well for possible future supervisory opportunities. Perhaps the greatest takeaway that comes from working for a boss with Autism is the personal growth and development which invariably results from daily interactions.
Experiences like this have a way of changing a person; why not make it a change for the better? Develop leadership skills that help to define the culture as a place of nurturance and learning. Seek to mitigate the tyrannical behavior by providing alternative methods of achieving personal and group goals. Finally, look for opportunities to be a calming voice of reason. Contrary to popular belief, individuals on the autism can and do exhibit emotions, sensibilities, and yes – even humor. Embrace the lighter moments, as inevitably the decision to continue working under these conditions or leave must be addressed. For those who decide to stay in a work environment like this, be sure to have answered the following questions: Does the company provide a path to reach my personal career goals and objectives long term? Are my abilities fully utilized and appreciated?