How Leaders Can Help Team Members Improve Executive Function

If your life is touched by neurodiversity you have definitely heard the term Executive Function but if you are not familiar with the term and are managing Neurodiverse team members you may not appreciate the impact it can have, or, the opportunities you have to help.

Executive function refers to a set of high-level cognitive processes that enable people to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully.

In the workplace, these skills are fundamental for productivity, adaptability, and innovation. Leaders have a unique opportunity to support and enhance executive function within their teams, which can lead to better performance, wellbeing, and organisational outcomes.

Executive functions are often described as the “CEO” of the brain. They include:

• Inhibition (self-control and interference control): The ability to resist impulses and distractions

• Working memory: Holding and manipulating information over short periods

• Cognitive flexibility: The capacity to switch perspectives or approaches and adapt to changing demands

These core skills underpin more complex behaviours such as planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and creativity. Efficient executive function allows employees to stay focused, adapt quickly, and meet novel challenges at work.

Why Does Executive Function Matter for Leaders and Teams?

Research shows that professionals with stronger executive function are more successful in meeting workplace demands, managing stress, and achieving goals. Executive function is not just about intelligence or technical skills, but about how well someone can manage their attention, regulate their behaviour, and adjust to new situations. In organisations, leaders and managers with strong executive function are better at decision-making, planning, problem-solving, and innovation.

However, executive function skills can vary widely between individuals and can be impacted by factors such as fatigue, stress, sleep, and even work-related rumination (persistent, repetitive thinking about work problems)6. Leaders who understand these differences and actively support their team’s executive function can help reduce overwhelm, improve productivity, and foster a healthier work environment.

Evidence-Based Strategies for Improving Executive Function at Work

1. Set Clear and Achievable Goals

Ambiguity can overwhelm people with executive function challenges. Leaders should:

• Break down large projects into smaller, manageable steps

• Set specific, measurable, and realistic deadlines

• Regularly check in to review progress and adjust as needed

This approach helps employees focus on one task at a time and reduces cognitive overload.

2. Foster Structure and Organisation

Providing structure helps team members prioritise and manage their workload:

• Encourage the use of planners, digital calendars, and task management tools

• Promote daily or weekly planning sessions

• Offer templates or checklists for recurring processes

These strategies have been shown to support working memory and planning skills, which are central to executive function.

3. Support Time Management

Time management is a common challenge for those with executive function difficulties. Leaders can help by:

• Encouraging the use of timers or reminders for important tasks

• Advocating for time-blocking techniques to create focused work periods

• Allowing flexibility for individuals to experiment with different time management systems

Improving time awareness and reducing multitasking can significantly boost productivity and reduce stress.

4. Encourage Cognitive Flexibility

Workplaces are dynamic, and adaptability is key:

• Model openness to new ideas and approaches

• Create a psychologically safe environment for experimentation and learning from mistakes

• Offer opportunities for cross-training or job rotation to build new skills and perspectives

Research suggests that cognitive flexibility is especially important for managing change and problem-solving in complex environments.

5. Promote Emotional Regulation and Well-being

Emotional control is a core aspect of executive function and is closely linked to workplace performance:

• Normalise conversations about stress and emotional well-being

• Offer resources such as mindfulness training or access to employee assistance programs

• Provide regular, constructive feedback to help employees reflect and grow

Studies show that high levels of work-related rumination are associated with poorer executive function, particularly in the ability to shift attention and adapt to new situations. Supporting emotional regulation can help break this cycle and improve overall executive functioning.

6. Leverage Executive Function Coaching and Training

Executive function coaching is an emerging tool for both leaders and their teams:

• Coaches work with individuals to identify strengths and areas for growth in planning, organisation, impulse control, and emotional regulation

• Coaching can be personalised, targeting specific executive function challenges and fostering self-awareness, resilience, and effective habits

• Organisations that invest in such training report increased productivity and improved communication

7. Accommodate Neurodiversity

Executive function challenges are more common in neurodiverse populations, such as those with ADHD:

• Offer flexible work arrangements where possible

• Allow for movement breaks or quiet spaces to help with focus

• Encourage open dialogue about individual needs and reasonable adjustments

Recognising and accommodating these differences can help unlock the potential of all team members.

Building a Culture That Supports Executive Function

Leaders set the tone for their teams. By prioritising executive function development, they create a culture where:

• Mistakes are seen as learning opportunities

• Continuous improvement is valued

• Team members feel empowered to communicate their needs and seek support

This culture not only benefits employees with executive function challenges but also strengthens the entire team’s capacity to innovate, adapt, and thrive.

Conclusion

Executive function is foundational to workplace success. Leaders who understand its importance and actively support their team members in developing these skills will see tangible benefits in productivity, morale, and organisational performance. By setting clear goals, fostering structure, encouraging adaptability, supporting emotional regulation, leveraging coaching, and accommodating neurodiversity, leaders can unlock the full potential of their teams and drive sustained success.

If you’re looking to take practical action on building executive function skills in your team, Willful Steps can help.

We specialise in coaching for ADHD and neurodiversity, providing tailored strategies and interactive resources like quizzes, style tests, and professional guides, to make executive function improvement engaging and accessible for everyone.

Whether you’re seeking one-on-one coaching, group workshops, or resources for your organisation, Willful Steps offers evidence-based support to help your team thrive.

Connect with us to discover how small, Willful Steps can lead to lasting workplace success.

References

Diamond, A., ‘Executive Functions’, Annual Review of Psychology, vol. 64, 2013, pp. 135–168. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4084861/ .

Maffei, A., Vencato, V., & Angrilli, A., ‘Neuro-Empowerment of Executive Functions in the Workplace’, Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 13, 2022, Article 818398. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8966493/ .

Wendsche, J., Lohmann-Haislah, A., & Wegge, J., ‘The Association Between Work-Related Rumination and Executive Functions: A Systematic Review’, Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 12, 2021, Article 621515. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.621515/full.

Cleveland Clinic, ‘Executive Function: What It Is, How To Improve & Types’, 2022. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23154-executive-function .

Understood.org, ‘Executive Function at Work: Why It Matters & How to Support It’, 2023. Available at: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/executive-functioning-in-the-workplace.