Newsletter 129: Unleashing the Potential of Dyslexic Thinkers: The Business Playbook

Good Morning Friends,

In the diverse landscape of today's workforce, dyslexic thinkers are the secret playmakers. Their creative, nonlinear, and divergent thinking can be a significant asset to any business. Recognizing and accommodating dyslexia as a unique skill set, rather than a disability, is a strategic move that can unlock untapped potential. Moreover, dyslexic thinkers excel at the soft skills that are crucial for businesses in the 21st century.

The Scouting Report

Investing in assessments can help identify the unique strengths of both neurotypical and neurodivergent workers. This knowledge can guide you in forming balanced and effective teams, and in creating an environment where all employees feel valued and supported.

Building a Winning Team

Creating a supportive environment for dyslexic thinkers is not just about accommodation, but also about empowerment. Consider the following:

• Actively recruit dyslexic thinkers.

• Provide tools and resources tailored for dyslexic thinkers.

• Foster a community within your business that celebrates neurodiversity and empowers dyslexic thinkers.

The Game Changers: Soft Skills

In the 21st century business world, soft skills such as communication and empathy are more important than ever. As we move away from the industrial revolution and factory jobs, these skills have been deemed most necessary. Dyslexic thinkers naturally excel in these areas, making them invaluable assets to any team.

The Tech Advantage: AI Technologies

AI technologies, such as Language Model Learners (LLMs), can be instrumental in helping dyslexic thinkers express their unique thought processes in a linear fashion. This allows them to communicate effectively with the rest of their team. By harnessing these AI tools, dyslexic thinkers can further enhance their outside-the-box thinking and contribute significantly to the team's success.

Training for Awareness and Understanding

Training hiring managers and HR personnel on dyslexic thinking can help in recognizing and appreciating the value that these individuals bring to the team. This can also help in transforming the perception of dyslexia from a negative to a positive.

The Playbook Strategy

As we wrap up, let's revisit the playbook for dyslexic thinkers:

• Actively engage with dyslexic thinkers during recruitment.

• Use inclusive language in job advertisements to encourage applications from neurodivergent individuals.

• Identify and acknowledge the dyslexic thinkers within your company.

Conclusion

The question for businesses to consider is: How are you accommodating and empowering dyslexic thinkers? By recognizing and valuing the unique skills of dyslexic thinkers, businesses can turn a perceived negative into a cherished skill set, and in doing so, create a more inclusive and innovative work environment. As we look towards the future, it's crucial that we adapt our schooling and recruitment processes to harness these skills and create a dyslexic-friendly workplace.

Think outside the box!

Matt “Coach IV” Ivey

Founder, Dyslexic.ai