Hire for Neurodiversity
One of the very cool things about uncovering my autism is learning to see neurodiversity in others more clearly. It makes the world more comfortable because I can figure out when to wear less of my mask, even around strangers!
Take this morning as an example: I took in my Prius for its regular service, my first time in this particular shop. My assigned service technician seemed brusque at first, and I felt both intimidated and unsure of the level of service I might receive.
But I quickly recognized that his gruffness with another coworker was probably a sign of neurodivergence, and suddenly he made sense to me. I knew how to interact with him because he “speaks” my language!
His customer service was superb. No, he wasn’t warm or friendly, but I don’t want “warm and friendly” from people in charge of my car. I want competence. I want expert advice. I want not to be talked past, as if because I’m female, I couldn’t possibly understand cars. And he provided every single bit of what I needed.
Even better, I didn’t have to force any small talk. I didn’t have to maintain much eye contact — just enough to show respect. I didn’t have to smile or follow any banter.
Our interaction was so smooth, in fact, that I felt comfortable enough to ask about a repair I’d worried about for more than two years — something I’d failed to bring up at any other appointment because I was too busy playing at banter to remember my own needs.
Best of all? He sensed my hesitation when he told me it would take four hours to complete the service. He immediately asked if I planned to stay in the waiting area. “Yes,” I replied, and without missing a beat, he offered a loaner car instead.
Folks, this is the only time I’ve ever been offered a loaner car. This is, to say it straight, the best customer service I’ve ever received. And it came from a guy who wasn’t friendly or serviceable by the normal, narrow definitions.
THIS is why you need neurodiversity on your team: We know how to recognize and meet the needs of other neurodiverse individuals, and neurodiversity is everywhere.
