Get Creative - How Dyslexia Can Be a Superpower in Business

Yesterday, during a stroll with the dogs, my son and I had a really sweet conversation about school. He mentioned how his friend next door would move up to the ‘smarter class’ next year, and I could see it was on his mind.

So, I shared a bit about my experience with dyslexia (something he and I both navigate). I told him how, despite the challenges, it turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. And honestly, if you or someone you know is dealing with dyslexia, it can lead to incredible personal growth. It can even shape your life and business in ways you might never expect. Here’s how:

You’re Forced to Get Creative: Dyslexia has this amazing way of pushing you to find creative solutions that others might overlook. It’s like unlocking a hidden talent when you face challenges. Those tough moments? They remind you of just how resourceful you are. Think about all the hurdles you’ve jumped over—that’s your greatness shining through. So, please don’t hold back with getting creative; that’s where the magic happens.

You Build Resilience from Criticism: Let’s be honest—criticism can sting, especially when you’ve already been through the wringer. But here’s the upside: learning to take feedback and turn it into fuel for improvement is like building a superpower. You're getting stronger every time you bounce back from a tough critique. And in business, that kind of resilience is pure gold. It keeps you focused, constantly improving, and ultimately succeeding.

You Embrace Different Approaches: We all have our own unique ways of getting things done, and that’s a beautiful thing. Having dyslexia can inspire you to think creatively and consider different viewpoints. And honestly, that’s such a gift! In a world where everyone’s trying to blend in, standing out because of your unique approach is a significant change. Embrace it—there’s no one right way to do things.

You Lead with Empathy: Here’s something I’ve come to realize—dyslexia gives you a deep understanding of what it’s like to struggle, and that can make you a truly exceptional leader. People are drawn to leaders who understand them, inspire them, and show them it’s perfectly okay to be different. Leading with empathy and understanding isn’t just about managing a team but empowering them to reach their full potential.

You Develop Emotional Intelligence: One of the best things about having dyslexia is how it makes you more compassionate. You know what it’s like to face challenges, so you naturally connect with others dealing with their own. And that empathy? It’s a powerful force in both life and business. It helps you build strong relationships, create supportive environments, and ultimately, achieve success together.

As we continued our walk, my son talked about wanting to improve his reading and make the honor roll so he could hang out with his dad on the golf course. I know there will be some tough times ahead for him, but I hope he remembers this: the speed at which you learn doesn’t define your intelligence. Life and business will have their challenges, but sometimes all it takes is a moment to stop, think, and get creative!