I recently had the privilege of attending the ALA Boston Chapter Leadership Conference & Business Partner Expo, and I have to say, it was an experience to remember! From the wonderful people I met to the incredible speakers who took the stage, the event was truly inspiring. What stood out to me the most was a recurring theme woven through the experience and many of the presentations: collaboration and core values. As someone who is passionate about creating meaningful relationships, this resonated deeply with me. Throughout the conference, I experienced a strong sense of community within the ALA Boston Chapter. Everywhere I turned, I was greeted with smiling faces, warm hellos, and an atmosphere filled with sincere curiosity and heart-centered dialogue. It was a place where growth and learning thrived.

The Power of Core Values in Our Lives

Core values are a subject I’m deeply passionate about, and they are one of the key exercises I guide my clients through. When our lives and work environments are not aligned with our core values, it creates tension—both internally and externally. We find ourselves navigating a muddled existence, one where stress builds, and fulfillment fades.

The workplace is no exception. In fact, misalignment between personal values and the environment we work in can lead to significant dissatisfaction. When core values are missing or unclear, it becomes difficult to foster a sense of belonging. When people don’t feel like they belong or are valued they typically don’t stick around or if they do they are pretty miserable to be around. 

I was struck by a statistic shared at the conference: new attorneys, on average, are staying at law firms for just 2.5 years. Why? One reason is because of a lack of alignment between the firm’s values and their own. That’s a huge loss of talent and potential.

The ADHD Connection: Breaking the Misalignment

Now, let’s throw ADHD into the mix. For lawyers who navigate life with ADHD, being in an environment where neurodivergence is dismissed as “not trying hard enough” can be devastating. These attorneys are likely experiencing low job satisfaction, burnout, and an inability to show the world their true potential. Without proper understanding and support, we’re not only doing a disservice to these individuals but also losing out on the unique strengths they bring to the table.

As a society, we need to move away from the damaging belief that people should just “rise to the occasion”.  This only fuels the burnout crisis and worsens the retention problems in the legal profession.

What Can We Do?

So, what’s the solution? We need to listen. We need to learn. We need to foster curiosity about the people around us and how they experience the world. Sometimes, it’s as simple as asking, “What do you need?” or “What would help you get this done?”

Organizations must establish and uphold clear core values that mean something. These values should foster connection, inclusion, and understanding. We can start by being present, taking a deep breath, and asking ourselves, “What can I do differently so those around me can shine?”

Because when we align with core values, not only do we thrive—but so do the people and communities we help to create around us.

For more ways to bring ease into your life check out “10 ADHD-Friendly Productivity Strategies".