Every school report I received echoed the same criticisms: ‘Charlotte lacks attention to detail,’ ‘Charlotte talks too much,’ ‘Charlotte needs to spend more time on her spelling.’ The humiliation of having my spelling test results announced aloud in class and consistently finding myself at the bottom was agonising.
While I could read adequately and my handwriting was tidy, my spelling, punctuation, and grammar were abysmal. I recall being told by the teacher to write the word ‘beautiful’ a hundred times on the blackboard in hopes of improving, yes I always remember now how to spell the word but how do you think it made me feel?
In the classroom, I was branded with words like ‘careless,’ ‘stupid,’ ‘thick,’ and the discouraging prognosis of ‘won’t amount to much.’ They had labelled me.
Dyslexia is a genetic learning disability affecting spelling, reading, and rote learning, often accompanied by challenges in working memory. Over 20 per cent of the population is dyslexic. Late diagnosis led to feeling overlooked and misunderstood during schooling, contributing to a lingering sense of inadequacy.
Hidden Superpowers
Although dyslexia is often perceived as a disability, it actually bestows incredible superpowers, as I discovered later in life. Our brains are wired differently, presenting challenges in some areas and remarkable strengths in others. I started my career in an admin role for Canon UK, successfully moving into sales and then moving on into a global Account Director role for Verizon.
In 2009, I unearthed my CliftonStrengths, revealing my hidden superpowers and boosting my confidence. Fuelled by focussing on the positives and what is right with us instead of what is wrong with us, in 2014, I became one of Australia’s first independent Gallup Accredited Strengths Coaches; I started my own business, gradually shedding limiting beliefs and embracing the positives I bring to various situations, businesses, and teams.
Initially, I hesitated to share my dyslexia openly, like many others in the business world, preferring to mask my challenges or avoid certain situations. However, stumbling upon Kate Griggs’s book, This is Dyslexia, proved transformative. It equipped me with a new language to articulate the power of my dyslexia and provided tools and resources to share. Now, I proudly embrace my dyslexia.
Dyslexia isn’t just a challenge; it’s a gateway to extraordinary potential. Consider this: 40 per cent of the world’s top innovators and entrepreneurs are dyslexic, including luminaries like Jo Malone, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, Ingvar Kamprad of IKEA, Agatha Christie, Keira Knightley, and Thomas Edison.
In my coaching and training work, I thrive on using stories, metaphors, and analogies to make complex concepts understandable. I enjoy the challenge of presenting, brainstorming aloud, and finding innovative ways to express ideas. Dyslexia has taught me to be resourceful with language, often creating new words when spell check falls short.
Claim it and Aim it
Kate Grigg’s organisation, Made by Dyslexia, teamed up with Ernst & Young (EY) for the Value of Dyslexia report, revealing that three-quarters of dyslexics conceal their condition from employers. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Personally, I’ve embraced my dyslexia. You’ll find a declaration in my email signature: “I am #Made by Dyslexia – expect curious ideas and curious spelling.” For more resources, visit www.madebydyslexia.org.
As a solopreneur, I’ve developed effective support systems. I openly acknowledge my spelling struggles during facilitation, even humorously displaying an F7 key (spell check function) on the flip chart. I invite group members to correct me, fostering a comfortable environment. Tools like Grammarly and speech-to-text apps are invaluable aids. While writing my book, I relied on skilled editors and sought feedback from peers. Despite my best efforts, errors may still occur, but I take responsibility for them.
Changing Workplace
The workplace landscape is evolving rapidly, and with a growing appreciation for neurodiversity, particularly dyslexia, organisations are unlocking a previously overlooked talent pool. EY highlights that while technical skills are valuable, cognitive talents, often associated with dyslexia, are essential for navigating complex changes.
To harness the power of dyslexia, individuals can take proactive steps:
- Embrace your strengths: Discover and leverage your unique abilities through tools like CliftonStrengths to showcase your superpowers.
- Early intervention: If struggling with reading, writing, spelling, or memory, consider early assessment for children to provide necessary support.
- Access resources: Explore the wealth of resources offered by organizations like Made by Dyslexia for valuable guidance and assistance.
Dyslexic individuals possess traits crucial for innovation and problem-solving. With a fearless approach to challenging norms, exceptional communication skills, and resilience, we are poised to create positive change and contribute significantly to the world. Together, let’s foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the power of dyslexia in driving innovation and progress.
Image: Charlotte Blair.