My Boss Can't Type: A Workplace Nightmare or a Hidden Disability?

Is your boss hiding a secret that's destroying team morale? In a recent advice column, an employee reveals their executive director's hidden struggle with typing, and the impact it's having on the entire organization.

Working in a small office with high turnover and low morale, the employee suspects their boss's inability to type is the root cause. The executive director, who took the job just before 2020, hasn't adapted to remote work, avoids emails, and relies on phone calls and outdated presentations. The employee fears that raising the issue could lead to termination, but staying silent might mean watching the organization crumble.

The Dilemma:

• The executive director can only type with one or two fingers, making emails a rarity.
• They prefer phone calls over written communication, even during meetings or PTO.
• They delegate most written tasks and rarely check calendars, leading to missed meetings.
• The employee suspects a hidden learning disability like dyslexia or ADHD, but is unsure how to address it.

The Advice: The column suggests that while it's important to address the issue, it's crucial to avoid diagnosing the boss. Instead, focus on the impact on productivity and bring specific examples. It's also wise to see if other employees share the same concerns, making it a collective issue rather than a personal one.

If nothing changes after raising the concern, the employee must decide whether to stay or leave. The advice underscores the importance of advocating for a healthy work environment while being mindful of legal and ethical boundaries.

This story highlights the challenges of navigating hidden disabilities in the workplace and the delicate balance between empathy and organizational needs. It's a reminder that sometimes, the biggest obstacles to a thriving workplace aren't visible at first glance.