🧭 LEADERSHIP
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek
Leadership is the quiet decision to step forward—not for power, but for purpose. For people with ADHD, who have often felt like the ones catching up or colouring outside the lines, the idea of being a leader might feel distant. But the truth is, many ADHDers are natural leaders—because they feel deeply, see differently, and care hard.
Leadership isn’t about controlling others—it’s about lighting the way. It’s starting the conversation everyone else is afraid to begin. It’s standing up when something’s wrong. It’s offering vision, direction, humour, or heart when others feel lost. ADHDers often lead not by hierarchy, but by energy. By authenticity. By showing up real.
And leadership begins with self. It’s the choice to lead yourself gently, wisely, intentionally through hard terrain. To take ownership of your story. To notice when you’re veering off course and steer back toward your values.
This value invites you to stop waiting for “perfect readiness.” Leadership doesn’t mean having it all figured out—it means walking first, with courage and compassion, so others know they’re not alone.
🧭 The HOPE Trail Map
- Helps or Harms: Am I leading from fear or from values? Am I guiding or just performing?
- Own My Values: I want to be someone who takes initiative, holds space, and lives with purpose—even when it’s hard.
- People and Pursuits: Who looks to me for guidance, encouragement, or example? What causes bring out my inner leader?
- Enact and Evaluate: Today, I’ll lead in one small way—by example, by honesty, or by being the first to care.
⚠️ Trail Challenges
- ADHD-related impulsivity or disorganisation may undermine confidence to lead.
- Fear of inconsistency or past failure may keep you in the background.
- Others may dismiss neurodivergent leadership styles as “too intense” or “too emotional.”
🪧 Trail Markers: Small Steps Toward Leadership
- Take initiative in a space where your voice or presence could make a difference.
- Support or mentor someone who reminds you of a younger version of yourself.
- Define what your leadership looks like—it doesn’t have to match a job title.
🔥 Campfire Questions for Reflection
- Where in my life am I already leading—perhaps without noticing?
- What kind of leader do I admire—and what parts of that live in me?
- How can I lead with ADHD because of who I am, not in spite of it?
Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about permission. When you lead with heart, you give others permission to do the same.
