Dyslexia Awareness Week takes place from the 7th to the 13th of October. It shines a light on the challenges and strengths of individuals with Dyslexia. This year’s theme is ‘What’s your story’.
Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that mainly causes problems with reading, writing, and spelling. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people in the UK have some degree of Dyslexia. It can be misunderstood as a limitation; however, those with Dyslexia possess a range of valuable skills that are increasingly recognised and celebrated in the workplace. By fostering an inclusive environment where diverse thinking styles are appreciated, companies can unlock creativity, innovation, and problem-solving abilities.
Understanding Dyslexia: not a limitation but a strength
Dyslexia affects how individuals process written language, which can make reading, writing, and spelling more challenging. However, many strengths are associated with Dyslexia, such as:
- Big-picture thinking: the natural ability to think holistically and outside the box is a major asset in many workplaces.
- Problem-solving skills: finding alternative methods to complete tasks, which leads to a high level of innovation and quick thinking.
- Creativity: Dyslexia has been linked to heightened creativity, particularly in visual and spatial reasoning.
- Resilience and determination: individuals tend to develop strong resilience, determination, and a positive mindset.
Case Study: Lawrence Howard, CEO of Thriiver
One inspiring example of how dyslexic strengths can be harnessed in the workplace is our CEO, Lawrence Howard. Lawrence’s first-hand experience with Dyslexia has shaped his career and his leadership style. He struggled academically as a child, and like many people with Dyslexia, he was often misunderstood in traditional educational settings. However, Lawrence turned these challenges into opportunities by focusing on his strengths, particularly his strong leadership skills and his ability to think outside the box. He exemplifies how his Dyslexia has given him the ability to see the bigger picture and allowed him to build a company that thrives on innovation and creative problem-solving.
Lawrence is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where the well-being of Thriiver’s employees is a priority so that they can perform to the best of their ability.
Conclusion
Dyslexia Awareness Week is an opportunity to celebrate the diverse talents and strengths of individuals with dyslexia. By understanding and supporting dyslexic employees in the workplace, companies can cultivate innovation, creativity, and problem-solving abilities that drive success.
Lawrence Howard’s story shows that with the right mindset and support, Dyslexia can be a source of great strength. His leadership at Thriiver serves as a model for how businesses can tap into the incredible potential of their neurodiverse workforce, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and successful workplace.
Let this week remind us that diversity makes for stronger teams, better ideas, and more dynamic workplaces.
