“Let me deliver results. Don’t interrupt me with excessive reporting. Support me, and tell me directly if I need to change my behavior or performance.”

This is how one account manager with diagnosed ADHD described to me what he needed most from his leader.

Approximately one in seven people are estimated to be neurodivergent. Leading organizational behaviour and human relations researchers, Professors Kerstin Alfes and Daniela Lup at ESCP Business School, have significantly advanced our understanding of neurodiversity in the workplace.

Research suggests that some ADHD-related characteristics may support strong performance in dynamic, fast-changing, and unpredictable environments. At Precedo Consulting, we have spent more than 30 years helping sales organizations in over 40 countries improve performance and strengthen sales leadership.

Throughout my career as a manager, consultant, and coach, I have repeatedly observed many of ADHD-related strengths and behavioral patterns in practice, particularly in high-performance sales environments, where adaptability, creativity, and resilience are essential for success.

Some ADHD-related characteristics may be particularly valuable in sales:

• Creativity can help generate innovative solutions in complex customer situations.
• Rapid thinking and adaptability can be powerful assets when opportunities change unexpectedly.
• Emotional sensitivity may help identify customer needs and signals that others might overlook.
• Natural enthusiasm and energy can create stronger customer interactions and more engaging presentations.

Perhaps the question is not whether neurodiversity exists in sales teams, but whether we as leaders are recognizing and leveraging its potential.

Neurodiversity may be a hidden superpower in sales.