We tend to think of procrastination and productivity problems at work as issues of motivation, discipline or time management. But what if the real barrier preventing someone from getting started is emotional?
In this episode of The HR Room Podcast, Dave is joined by Brendan Mahan, internationally recognised ADHD coach, host of the ADHD Essentials Podcast and author of Overcoming the Wall of Awful, to explore why people can sometimes find seemingly straightforward tasks incredibly difficult to begin.
Brendan introduces the concept of the “Wall of Awful” – the emotional barrier that can develop between us and tasks we've previously struggled with. Built from experiences of frustration, disappointment, guilt, shame and failure, that wall can make simply getting started feel exhausting.
The conversation explores what this means in the workplace, particularly for managers and HR professionals dealing with performance issues, neurodiversity, procrastination and burnout. Brendan explains how changing the conversation from “Why aren't you doing this?” to understanding what's making the task difficult can create a safer and more productive route towards solving the underlying problem.
Guest
Brendan Mahan — Internationally Recognised ADHD Coach, Host of the ADHD Essentials Podcast & Author of Overcoming the Wall of Awful
Topics include:
- How difficult experiences and emotions create barriers around particular tasks
- Why recognising and naming those emotional barriers can make them easier to overcome
- How managers and HR professionals can use the concept when addressing performance issues
- Why neurodivergent employees may encounter more – and bigger – “Walls of Awful”
- The workplace behaviours associated with ADHD that managers can easily misinterpret
- Brendan's five ways people respond to the Wall of Awful
- Why “smashing through” tasks using anxiety or anger can contribute to burnout
- How body doubling, music and changing your emotional state can help you get started
- How high-pressure and “hustle” workplace cultures can make burnout more likely
- Why compassion, dignity and psychological safety matter when someone is struggling
Key Takeaways for HR
About Brendan's Book
Brendan's book, Overcoming the Wall of Awful, is available to buy now. You can also hear more from Brendan on the ADHD Essentials Podcast.
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About The HR Room Podcast
The HR Room Podcast is brought to you by Insight HR, where we speak with HR leaders, legal experts and workplace specialists from across Ireland about the issues shaping the future of work.
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