Running a business with someone requires trust, communication, and shared focus. But what happens when that focus falters, not because someone doesn’t care, but because their brain works differently?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) isn’t just something that affects schoolchildren. It’s increasingly recognised among adults, particularly entrepreneurs, creatives, and high achievers. While ADHD can bring incredible drive, energy, and innovation, it can also create challenges in professional relationships when those traits are misunderstood.
Many successful founders or partners have ADHD traits without realising it. They are idea generators, quick problem-solvers, and often thrive in fast-paced, unpredictable environments. But when deadlines slip, details get missed, or energy levels fluctuate, their business partner may start to feel frustrated or resentful.
On the other side, the partner with ADHD may feel constantly criticised, unheard, or not good enough. What looks like inconsistency to one person might be emotional exhaustion or overstimulation to the other.
This mismatch can create a cycle of misunderstanding:
Over time, this can erode trust and communication, threatening not just the business, but the relationship behind it.
ADHD is often linked with heightened emotional responses. This means a simple disagreement can escalate quickly, not because either party wants a fight, but because emotions are felt more intensely.
Studies suggest that adults with ADHD often experience challenges around focus, emotional regulation, and task completion, traits that can influence how they manage professional relationships. Research published on PubMed notes that these patterns frequently affect communication and workplace performance.
Impulsivity, frustration, or rejection sensitivity can make one person react sharply in the moment, while the other feels blindsided or disrespected. What begins as a conversation about missed invoices or strategy can quickly become a clash of misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
Mediation provides a structured and confidential space to rebuild communication before things reach breaking point. It is one of the most effective forms of dispute resolution, helping business partners address issues constructively rather than letting them escalate into lasting conflict. It allows both partners to be heard without blame or judgement and helps identify where communication styles, expectations, or working habits have caused friction.
Having worked with many individuals whose communication styles are influenced by ADHD, I understand how easily good intentions can be misread or misinterpreted. In mediation, recognising these differences helps create a calmer, more productive space for everyone involved.
A skilled mediator can:
It’s not about diagnosing or fixing anyone; it’s about understanding differences and finding ways to collaborate more effectively.
When ADHD and miscommunication collide, even the strongest partnerships can lose their rhythm. But it doesn’t have to end in a breakdown. With mediation, business partners can separate the person from the problem, restore mutual respect, and refocus on what brought them together in the first place: building something meaningful.
Focus on solutions rather than blame. Keep conversations calm, specific, and centred on how you can work better together. Agree on how tasks are tracked, set clear deadlines, and use short check-ins to stay aligned.
When communicating with someone who has ADHD, break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and use “I feel” statements instead of “you are” to keep discussions constructive. Written follow-ups or visual reminders can help maintain clarity. Remember that what may seem like distraction or inconsistency is often simply how ADHD affects focus and attention.
If your partnership is under pressure, mediation can help you rebuild communication and get back on track.