Module 1: Learning Content

1. Module Introduction

Welcome to Module 1: Understanding Leadership

Welcome to the first step in your leadership journey.

This course is designed with neurodivergent professionals in mind. Whether you identify as autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, dyspraxic, or simply think differently from the majority, your way of processing the world is not just valid—it’s valuable.

In this module, we’ll explore what leadership really means—beyond the corporate buzzwords or stereotypes. You don’t need to be loud, charismatic, or in charge of a team to be a leader. Leadership is about how you influence, collaborate, and help shape outcomes—whether that’s in your workplace, community, or personal life.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Module

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Understand inclusive definitions of leadership, beyond traditional stereotypes

• Explore different leadership styles and approaches

• Reflect on which leadership traits you personally connect with

• Begin to think about how your unique way of thinking can contribute to leadership

This module will take approximately 40 minutes to complete. You’ll watch short videos, try out a few interactive activities, and reflect on your own strengths and preferences.

2. What is Leadership?

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Leadership isn’t about having a fancy job title or being the loudest person in the room.

At its core, leadership is the ability to influence, guide, or support others toward a shared goal. That goal might be completing a team project, improving a process, helping others feel safe and motivated, or even just leading yourself through a challenge.

🧠 Rethinking Traditional Leadership

In the past, leadership was often associated with traits like:

• Charisma

• Confidence (especially loud or bold confidence)

• Quick decision-making

• Public speaking

• Managing large teams

While these can be valuable in some settings, they don’t reflect the full picture. This view often overlooks people who lead through:

• Listening and observing carefully

• Thinking deeply before acting

• Creating systems and structure

• Supporting others with empathy

• Solving complex problems in unique ways

3. Do you lead?

Most of us are leading everyday and don't even think about it:

Image 2.

Helping a group brainstorm a solution?    You were leading.
Encouraging a colleague who’s struggling?    You were leading.
Creating structure for a scattered team?    You were leading.

4. A Broader, More Inclusive View

Leadership can look very different depending on the person and the context. You might show leadership by:

• Asking great questions in a meeting

• Spotting risks others miss

• Creating a sense of calm during a stressful time

• Helping a team understand a big-picture strategy

• Modelling fairness and inclusion

• Advocating for yourself or others

There’s no single way to be a leader.

🧩 Leadership & Neurodiversity

As a neurodivergent individual, you may already be using leadership skills—even if you don’t call them that. For example:

• Hyperfocus can help drive results on long-term tasks

• Pattern recognition can support problem-solving

• Straightforward communication can bring clarity

• Sensitivity to fairness or rules can make you a values-led leader

Leadership doesn’t require you to mask who you are. In fact, your strengths and differences can shape a leadership style that feels authentic and effective.

5. Video

Neurodivergent individuals are often denied full participation in our society because they do not "fit in" in one way of another. Organizational leaders can be part of the solution by embracing a puzzle-building model of leadership to benefit both the organisations that they lead as well as those struggling to fit in. Watch the Ted Talk below by Tom Edwards, where he explores the true meaning of effective and inclusive leadership.

Video 1.

6. Reflection

Take a moment to reflect:

Have you ever influenced a decision, supported others, or helped a group achieve something together? What did that look like for you?

Take a moment to reflect:

Think of a time when you supported others, influenced a decision, or stayed true to your values. What leadership skills did you use?

(You can jot your answer down on a piece of paper or use the downloadable reflective journal provided)

Next steps: If you feel you've absorbed the module content, why not take the module quiz (here) to confirm your knowledge and understanding.