One in every five people around the world are estimated to be dyslexic. But exactly, what is dyslexia? According to the Yale Center of Creativity and Dyslexia, “reading requires our brains to connect letters to sounds, put those sounds in the right order, and pull the words together into sentences and paragraphs we can read and comprehend.

People with dyslexia have trouble matching the letters they see on the page with the sounds those letters and combinations of letters make. And when they have trouble with that step, all the other steps are harder.”

A dyslexic individual has a genetic difference in the ability to process information, which makes them learn, process information and think differently than a neurotypical person. However, today it is looked at as an advantage, an opportunity to see things from a different perspective and look for alternative outcomes, a valuable business asset.  

“Dyslexic thinkers have soft or power skills like creative thinking, problem-solving, communication, people and team building, all of which are vital for building and running successful businesses,” says Kate Griggs, who is CEO and founder of Made By Dyslexia, a global charity which is also supported by the likes of Virgin Group, Richard Branson, who is famously a successful entrepreneur and millionaire.  

“Entrepreneurs tend to operate outside of the system and tradition, as we like to break and rebuild things in a way that we believe is better. My dyslexic thinking means I don’t just think in a single stream or linear way. I approach every situation from multiple sides at the same time; I can process all those perspectives at once and find a solution faster. Dyslexic thinking drives how I look at the world, solve problems and see opportunities”, Griggs said. 

Dyslexic Thinking

Since 2022, “Dyslexic Thinking” was recognized as a valuable skill by LinkedIn, “offering the possibility for dyslexics to stand out, rather than blend in – and share their sought-after skills with organisations who are actively recruiting for them. And now is the time for Dyslexic Thinking to be empowered in every workplace to harness the power of those who think differently.”

Dyslexic thinking aligns closely with the skills identified as essential for the future by the World Economic Forum. It also corresponds with the top ten skills needed in today’s workplaces, as highlighted in the report The Dyslexic Dynamic, produced in collaboration with ManpowerGroup Talent Solutions.