We discover some myths round dyslexia and the strengths of dyslexic pondering
Many people know dyslexia as a studying distinction, one thing that sometimes impacts studying and writing. And whereas that is true, that is solely a part of the image. Dyslexia impacts the way in which we course of info, together with what we see and listen to in addition to organisational expertise. There are additionally strengths to be discovered, notably in design, problem-solving, artistic expertise and communication expertise.
These expertise can usually be ignored, nonetheless, “As a result of our brains course of info in a different way, we typically wrestle with sure issues that others might discover straightforward.” explains Kate Griggs, creator, and founder and CEO of charity Made By Dyslexia. “This stuff are sometimes the talents that we’re assessed on, or which individuals typically hyperlink to intelligence.”
“This will make us really feel as if we’re not as sensible as others, and it will probably make others suppose that, too. For instance, 89% of dyslexics wrestle with spelling and grammar, however we are sometimes sensible writers and communicators.”
Kate notes that when spelling or grammar errors are made, others will be fast to focus on it, calling out these with dyslexia as ‘careless’. “It’s hardly stunning that three out of 4 dyslexics cover their dyslexia from their employers.”
When individuals concentrate on these areas, it’s straightforward to overlook the talents dyslexic thinkers can deliver, particularly within the office. “Dyslexic pondering expertise are the comfortable expertise that each office is on the lookout for,” explains Kate.
Dyslexic pondering expertise are the comfortable expertise that each office is on the lookout for.
Dictionary.com defines dyslexic pondering as ‘an method to problem-solving, assessing info, and studying, usually utilized by individuals with dyslexia, that includes sample recognition, spatial reasoning, lateral pondering, and interpersonal communication’.
Kate’s charity, Made by Dyslexia has produced two stories with international organisation EY that map dyslexic pondering expertise with the World Financial Discussion board’s prime 10 expertise for the long run. Based mostly on these stories, LinkedIn has now added dyslexia pondering as a talent.
“Analysis exhibits us that the highest 10 expertise wanted within the office are dyslexic pondering expertise. Made By Dyslexia’s Dyslexic Dynamic Report with Manpower discovered that, by 2025, half of jobs will likely be performed by machines, and the half that will likely be performed by people, require dyslexic pondering expertise, concluding that dyslexic pondering can fill the worldwide expertise hole.”
Kate shares that dyslexia makes individuals superb at sure issues, and really unhealthy at others which suggests many uncover their dyslexic pondering expertise early. This results in a lot of apply, making these with dyslexia specialists.
“For us to lean into our superpowers and delegate our challenges is an absolute necessity,” Kate says when requested what assist will be useful for these with dyslexia.
“At this time’s groups want specialists, not generalists. Spending hours doing the issues that we discover troublesome, fairly than specializing in our strengths just isn’t fulfilling, productive, or rewarding. Sensible issues occur once we empower individuals to do what they completely love and are specialists at, and their challenges will likely be another person’s love and experience. All of us have superpowers, let’s unleash them.
“Ask your managers to acknowledge your strengths and assist our challenges, whether or not that’s utilizing expertise, making affordable changes or assist from colleagues. The very best groups empower each particular person to play to their strengths, in case you do this with dyslexic colleagues you’ll be amazed on the worth they carry to your groups.”
Made by Dyslexia has a free interactive office information referred to as Be a part of the Dots which outlines steps to empower dyslexic pondering in each office in case you’re eager to be taught extra.
Kate Griggs is the founder and CEO of worldwide charity Made By Dyslexia and creator of the dyslexia information That is Dyslexia (Penguin, £11.99) and youngsters’s ebook Xtraordinary Individuals: Made By Dyslexia (Penguin, £6.99).
If you’re eager to lean into your dyslexic pondering expertise extra, however aren’t certain the place to start out, working with a dyslexia coach may very well be useful. Be taught extra and join with a coach on Life Coach Listing.
