It can be tricky to figure out that you have dyslexia as an adult.
And once you do get it identified, you might worry that this will hold you back.
Kate Griggs, the founder and CEO of global charity Made By Dyslexia, wants to challenge that anxiety.
She believes that dyslexia can be a ‘superpower’ at work, and that dyslexic thinking could actually make you more creative.
‘For decades, dyslexics have been expected to “fit in” and measured for the very skills we find challenging,’ Kate tells Metro.co.uk. ‘But now dyslexic thinking is in demand, so if, like me, you are dyslexic, now is our time to embrace our superpowers and stand out!
‘Dyslexic minds process information differently. Because of this, we sometimes struggle with certain things that others may find easy. This can make us feel as if we’re not as smart as others, and it can make others think that, too.
‘For example, 89% of dyslexics struggle with spelling and grammar. When a spelling or grammar mistake is made, others are all too quick to pick us up on it and call us out for carelessness, for not checking our work.
‘So, it’s hardly surprising that three out of four dyslexics hide their dyslexia from their employers.’
How can those with dyslexia embrace their strengths and use them for their benefit at work? Kate breaks down four ‘dyslexic superpowers’ to get started with.
Problem-solving
Kate says: ‘84% of dyslexics are above average at reasoning. We can make connections across complex issues, subjects, and data, which others don’t see.
‘We can solve problems in different ways, coming up with new innovative ideas to tackle them – when your team hits a roadblock, show them a different way of looking at the problem and brainstorm brilliant ways to fix it.
‘At work, nominate yourself to investigate an issue the team is grappling with and show how thinking differently can help your team to quickly make sense of it and move forwards.
‘You’ll soon be the go-to problem-solver!’
Big-picture thinking
If you have dyslexia, it’s likely you’re great at visualising and big-picture thinking.
‘We can cut through the noise and see the big picture, rather than getting stuck in the detail,’ notes Kate. ‘In meetings be the person who summarises the task at hand and brings everyone back to the reason you’re there and what you’re working towards – this will help focus the rest of the team and get things done.’
Imagination
Dyslexics are innovative, imaginative, and great at storytelling. Use all these skills at work – communicate your vision.
Communicating ideas
Kate tells us: ‘71% of dyslexics are above average at communicating and 80% of dyslexics are above average at connecting.
‘This means we make great leaders, building, supporting, and empowering teams, people, and organisations – demonstrate what great leadership skills you have, whether it’s by offering to take charge of a new project or overseeing the work experience.
‘Your boss will soon recognise your potential – and see how brilliant you’ll be higher up the ladder.’
Things dyslexics can find challenging at work – and how to tackle them
Challenge: Information overload, especially via email. Reading and writing information takes us longer so lots of emails can be overwhelming.
Solution: Keep emails to a minimum, call someone or send voice messages.
Challenge: Competing or unclear priorities when multiple tasks are assigned. A lack of clarity can cause confusion and stress.
Solution: Explain this to your boss and ask them to keep priorities, tasks and instructions clear, concise and simple.
Challenge: Long and complicated meetings.
Solution: Keep meeting as short and concise as possible and ask others to do the same. Everyone loses concentration after a while and especially dyslexics, as we will be into our next idea.
Challenge: Too much information in written form – not enough visual presentation of information.
Solution: There are so many ways to provide information now, visuals and film makes it much more interesting for all.
Challenge: Being asked to write on a flip chart or read aloud. Both play into our challenge ‘wheelhouse’.
Solution: Don’t worry about spelling mistakes, either making them or picking up on them. If you aren’t comfortable reading aloud, explain this to your boss or ask someone else to do it.
There are two golden rules for handling dyslexia at work, believes Kate.
‘The first rule is to embrace your strengths,’ she tells us. ‘It is vital that all dyslexics focus on what we’re naturally good at, and love to do. Because when we lean into our strengths and passions, we become experts and the best in field. And, because we’re passionate about it, we love our work too.
‘The second rule is to delegate your challenges. Don’t try to be Superwoman/Superman.
‘Limit time spent on things you’re not good at and hate doing.
‘Spending hours trying to get better at things we find difficult really isn’t productive. Delegate or ask for help. It’ll be someone else’s superpower.’
Kate Griggs is the founder and CEO of global charity Made By Dyslexia and author of dyslexia guide This is Dyslexia (Penguin, £11.99) and children’s book Xtraordinary People: Made By Dyslexia (Penguin, £6.99).
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