The benefits of working with a dyslexic (Marketing Director).

I'll be honest at the outset of this post, being Dyslexic isn't something I talk about often. Probably because it's not something I think about. I was lucky to be diagnosed with Dyslexia very early in life - at 5, many of my peers went on to be diagnosed a lot later - and was supported throughout my schooling with things like extra time and resources 

It's only in the last few months I've felt the need to say a couple of times - "as an FYI I'm dyslexic" to some of the clients I work with. When I do say it, I say it with a bit of trepidation, as though it comes with some negative connotations, and it probably does.

What a lot of people don't know is that there are seven types of dyslexia, and therefore not all interactions with dyslexics will be the same. I, like lots of dyslexics, struggle with spelling, and picking up spelling-related errors - put frankly, I simply don't see them. My brain thinks too quickly and I miss the odd word as i type or write because my hands can't keep up with what my brain is pouring out. It's something I'm aware of, and have coped with, and I'd like to think have successfully navigated for years (and yes to everyone that asks me, I use Grammarly!).

Having said that , I once had a particularly wonderful client at Caboodle Pet Brands, who responded to my dyslexic reference with - "That's great, I've not hired you for your spelling. I've hired you for your mind". The relief to work with someone who saw the two distinctly was incredibly uplifting and reassuring 

So, this blog is about unpicking that and understanding the benefits of working with someone like me - A dyslexic Marketing Director!

1.   Creativity: Dyslexic individuals often have a unique perspective on the world and can think about ideas in a more creative manner . This can lead to innovative marketing ideas that may not have been considered before.

2.   Resilience: Dyslexic individuals often have to work harder to achieve success, and this can lead to a strong sense of determination and resilience. This can be an huge asset in a fast-paced, competitive industry like marketing.

3.   Attention to detail: While dyslexic individuals may struggle with reading and writing, we often have strong visual and spatial skills. This can translate to an ability to spot details and patterns that others may miss, which can be helpful in marketing. In my case, I'm also able to do this with numbers and figures, allowing me to see patterns and anomalies.

4.   Communication skills: Dyslexic individuals often have to work harder to communicate effectively, which can lead to strong communication skills something which is pretty vital when you're talking about leading a marketing communications function.

5.   Most Dyslexics have above-average intelligence: in fact, people are often shocked when they hear we may struggle with reading or writing.

6.   Diversity and inclusion: Hiring a dyslexic marketing director can be a way to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It can send a message to employees and customers that the company values different perspectives and is committed to creating a more inclusive environment.

There are incredible dyslexics (Richard Branson, Walt Disney, Henry Ford, and Steve Jobs to name but a few!) who have achieved great things in whatever industry you look in, and for lots of us, we have tools (Grammarly, great team support, clear QA processes, and spell check) to help us navigate the challenges we have.

So don't be nervous about what support you may need to put in place. For all the dyslexics I've met, we know what we need to get our job, and the job done, and done well.