Human at Work: Unlocking Potential by Understanding How We "Human" – A Guide to Thriving and Leading with Empathy
The modern workplace often feels like a puzzle with missing pieces. We talk about productivity, innovation, and culture, but sometimes we forget the fundamental ingredient: humanity. For me, as an autistic individual, navigating the unwritten rules of human interaction has always been a conscious study, an ongoing scientific experiment in "how to be human." This journey, while sometimes challenging, has paradoxically become my superpower–a systematic, empathetic approach to understanding people.
My project, Human at Work, is born from this experience. It's about taking a step back, applying the lenses of psychology and sociology, and observing the beautiful, messy, and often illogical ways we interact. And what I've learned is that this intentional approach isn't just for neurodivergent individuals trying to "fit in"; it's a vital skill for everyone, especially those in leadership roles.
For Leaders: The Untapped Power of Conscious Empathy
Leaders often operate under immense stress. Deadlines, team management, strategic vision–it’s a constant juggle. But amidst the chaos, there's a profound opportunity to alleviate stress, not just for yourselves, but for your entire team, by adopting a more scientifically empathetic approach to people.
Your team's well-being is directly tied to their performance. When a leader is stressed, it trickles down. But when you create an environment of understanding and proactive support, you empower everyone. My observation is that the most effective leaders aren't just good at tasks; they're masters of human connection.
How to Lead as a "Human at Work"
Be a Beacon of Reliability & Proactivity: Imagine the relief of a stressed leader when their team anticipates needs, presents solutions, and consistently delivers. This isn't just about individual performance; it’s about creating a collective calm. When your team members are reliable, it reduces your mental load significantly.
Leadership Action: Foster a culture where proactive problem-solving is celebrated, not just task completion. Ask your team, "What solutions are you exploring for X problem?" rather than "What are you going to do about X problem?"
Engineer Clear Communication Channels: Ambiguity is a stress amplifier. For many, unclear instructions or rambling messages are not just annoying – they're roadblocks.
Leadership Action: Advocate for concise, structured communication. Encourage bullet points, clear objectives, and defined channels for different types of information. Ask yourself: "Could this email be shorter? Are my expectations crystal clear?"
Offer Specific, Actionable Support: When you notice a team member struggling, the best support isn't generic encouragement; it's specific, actionable help. "Is there anything on your plate that I can help streamline or re-prioritize?" is far more effective than "Let me know if you need anything."
Leadership Action: Proactively identify bottlenecks in your team's workflow and offer to remove them. This isn't just about delegating; it's about actively facilitating success.
Embrace the "Human-First" Perspective: Recognize that everyone is navigating their own internal world. A gentle inquiry like, "You seem to have a lot going on lately – is everything alright?" can open a valuable dialogue.
Leadership Action: Practice active listening. Sometimes, people just need to be heard. Creating psychological safety allows individuals to bring their whole selves to work, including their struggles, knowing they’re supported.
Shout Out to Neurodivergents: Translating the "Human Code" into Workplace Superpowers
If, like me, you've spent your life observing and analyzing human behavior, you possess a unique advantage. Your systematic approach to understanding people, even if it feels like learning a foreign language, is an incredible asset. You're not just "fitting in"; you're actively constructing a bridge between different ways of experiencing the world.
How to Thrive as a "Human at Work" (Your Neurodivergent Playbook)
Become a Master of Reliability: Your meticulous nature can be your greatest strength. Deliver exactly what's asked for, on time, and often with an eye for detail others miss. This builds immense trust and reduces your boss's stress.
Action: Create your own checklists and systems to ensure consistency. Double-check your work before submission. This showcases your reliability.
Optimize Your Communication Strategy: If directness and clarity are your strengths, lean into them!
Action: When asking questions, try to bundle them. "I have three quick questions about Project X: 1. [Question 1], 2. [Question 2], 3. [Question 3]." When providing updates, use bullet points. If you need clarity on a task, don't be afraid to ask for specific examples or written instructions. "Could you break down step 2 a bit more, or give me an example of the desired outcome?"
Proactive Problem-Solving is Your Edge: Your ability to see patterns and potential issues can make you invaluable. Don't just identify problems; present well-researched, logical solutions.
Action: Before approaching your boss with a challenge, brainstorm at least two potential solutions. Even if they're not perfect, it shows initiative and a problem-solving mindset.
Manage Your Energy and Environment: Understanding your own sensory and social needs is crucial. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Action: Identify your personal triggers for overwhelm and develop coping strategies. Can you request a quieter workspace? Schedule focused work blocks? Take short, restorative breaks? Communicate your needs clearly and professionally when possible. "I work best when I have dedicated focus time, so I'll be scheduling my calls for X time each day."
Educate and Advocate (Gently): You don't need to disclose your neurodivergence to everyone, but understanding why you operate a certain way can help you advocate for yourself. For instance, if you process information best in writing, you can politely request, "Could you send me those instructions in an email? I process written information best."
The Human at Work Mission
Whether you're leading a team or navigating your individual role, the core principle remains: understanding how we human unlocks greater potential, reduces stress, and fosters a truly inclusive environment. My journey as an autistic person has shown me that by consciously observing, adapting, and communicating, we can all contribute to a workplace where every human, in all their glorious neurodiversity, can not only survive but thrive.
Let's build workplaces where humanity isn't just tolerated, but celebrated and understood.
Let's Decode the "Human at Work" Experience
The Human at Work mission is built on the shared effort to understand and optimize our environment. Whether you identify as neurodivergent, a long-time leader, or someone in between, your observations are a vital part of this research.
Keep the Conversation Going
For Leaders: When you've been under extreme stress, what is one specific action a proactive, reliable team member did that provided the greatest sense of relief or clarity?
For Neurodivergent Individuals: What is one specific "unwritten rule" of the workplace or a social interaction that you had to "scientifically investigate" to understand, and what system did you create to navigate it?
For All: What is the single greatest obstacle to "conscious empathy" in your workplace right now (e.g., lack of time, fear of vulnerability, unclear communication), and what small step could you take to address it?
🪶 Until next time, Happy Humaning!
