High performer but overlooked for promotion due to ADHD communication struggles. Is my career stuck?
Hi everyone. Sorry, I'm just ranting and rambling a little bit and seeking advice. Thanks for reading.
I have been working in the APS and was always recognized as a high performer. I recently transferred to a smaller team. My work output equals more than 30% of the whole team's output and is top level, but it hasn't been recognized. I also really feel like an outsider in the team. There is one coworker who brags a lot about their work, but their actual output and quality are really low. They confidently spread false information related to work. The correct information is public on our website, but instead of digging into it, they just make assumptions and tell everybody as if it is the truth. Management doesn't seem concerned. It makes me think confident communication is valued more than actual performance and work output.
I recently did a promotion interview and got merit pooled. The feedback was all positive, but there were concerns about my communication skills. I was recently diagnosed with ADHD. I have a lot of thoughts going on at the same time, making it hard for my logic to sound logical to others, even though I understand complex problems perfectly. I try to use plain English and screen share, but I sometimes explain too much to be transparent. Improving this will take a lot of time. This was never flagged before though. Maybe past people were more generous?
I did reflect on my current level. Except for communication, I think the other downsides I have are leadership and stakeholder engagement, which involves communication as well. Otherwise, I learn very fast, do a lot of self-learning, manage my workload very well, and I do read the room and get along well with others. I have a good memory and work flawlessly with very minimal supervision.
It's kind of frustrating because I did put a lot of effort to learn and it's been a few years in the same level. (I'm not an APS 6 FYI). Should I disclose my ADHD to my workplace? I don't see any benefit since I can't fix my communication quickly and my actual work has no issues. Should I change my career or learn some specialty? I also get bored at doing one thing really quickly. Has anyone experienced this? What should I do?