One of the biggest hurdles in the corporate world isn't the work itself—it's the "structural ambiguity" that surrounds it. This is especially true for neurodivergent professionals who thrive on clear, literal communication.
Office politics often rely on "reading between the lines," and email etiquette can feel like a series of tests you never studied for. At Diversity-Lock, we believe the solution is to replace ambiguity with explicit clarity.
Here is your guide to navigating office communication without the guesswork.
1. Decoding the "Vague" Email
When a manager sends an email saying, "Could you take a look at this when you have a moment?", it creates a conflict. To a literal mind, "a moment" could be next week. To a manager, it might mean "by 5 PM today."
The Problem: Vague timelines lead to anxiety and "priority paralysis."
The Fix: Always ask for a hard deadline.
Drafting your reply: "I’d be happy to look at this. To help me prioritize my current tasks, what is the deadline for this feedback?"
The "Structural" Solution: If you have disclosed your neurotype, request that all tasks are sent with a "Definition of Done" and a specific date/time.
2. Mastering the "Tone" of Email
Neurotypical communication often uses "softeners" to make requests feel less demanding. For neurodivergent people, these softeners can make the actual request hard to find.
The Unwritten Rule: Don't just be direct; be "professionally warm."
The Checklist:
Greeting: "Hi [Name],"
The Context: "I’m writing to follow up on..."
The Ask (Direct): "Please could you send me the updated spreadsheet?"
The Why: "I need this to complete the monthly report."
The Sign-off: "Best regards/Thanks, [Your Name]."
3. Navigating Office Politics (Without "Playing the Game")
Office politics is often just the flow of unstated social expectations. You don't have to be a "politician" to navigate this; you just need to be a clear communicator.
Rule #1: The Paper Trail is Your Friend. If someone gives you verbal instructions in a hallway, your executive function might struggle to hold that information.
Action: Send a "Confirmation Email." Example: "Great chatting just now. Just to confirm my understanding: I will do X by Y date. Let me know if I’ve missed anything!"
Rule #2: The "CC" Protocol. Knowing who to copy into an email is a major part of office politics.
The Rule: CC someone if they are directly impacted by the information or if they are the manager of the person you are asking for help from (only if it's an urgent or overdue request).
Rule #3: Asking for Help Early. Some see asking for help as a sign of weakness (the "politics" view). In reality, it is a sign of efficiency.
The Script: "I have reached a stopping point on [Task] because I need [Information]. To keep this on track for the Friday deadline, when is the best time for us to discuss this?"
4. Setting Boundaries with "Structural Clarity"
Structural ambiguity often leads to people overstepping your boundaries. Use clear language to protect your energy.
If you are overwhelmed: "I currently have three high-priority tasks. If I take on this new project, which of the existing three should I move to a later deadline?"
If you need focus time: Set an "Out of Office" or status update that says: "Deep Work Mode: I am checking emails at 11 AM and 4 PM. If this is an emergency, please call [Number]."
The Bottom Line
Office politics only feel like a "lock" when the rules are hidden. By using direct language and asking for specific parameters, you are creating your own "key." You aren't being "difficult" by asking for clarity; you are being an effective professional.
For help with email tones check out Goblin Tools