In this opinion piece, James Evans (pictured), planning director at EssenceMediacom Sydney, explains why companies’ failure to recognise the “deep thought” that dyslexia encourages, instead mistaking it for “overthinking”, is a missed opportunity for companies.
Dyslexia often nurtures deep thought, which can be mistaken for ‘overthinking’. In a world that values quick decisions, the line between meticulous analysis and overthinking is subtle.
‘Overthinking’ is a term used in workplaces to describe a thought process that becomes overly detailed, leading to inaction and is circular and can focus on unrealistic worst-case scenarios. It’s also a symptom of anxiety. In contrast, deep thought and analysis always have a solution in mind. Understanding this distinction can lead to a more empathetic approach.
Find out more — Unlocking Potential: How Generative AI Can Empower Dyslexics In The Workplace
Navigating the Workplace with Dyslexia
Dyslexic individuals often contend with working memory challenges, making it demanding to manage multiple tasks and retain complex instructions. Open-plan office setups, characterised by constant sensory distractions, further compound these difficulties. These conditions pose significant challenges, particularly if you’re neurodivergent you tend to be more prone to sensory overload.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, the strategies I use are:
- Work from home part-time to reduce an over-stimulating environment.
- Utilise a quiet meeting room for focused tasks.
- Incorporate walking meditation for mental clarity.
- Listen to white noise or natural sounds to enhance concentration.
- When possible, implement regular breaks to recharge and maintain focus throughout the day.
The Unique Perspective of Dyslexics
Dyslexics bring a unique perspective to the table, offering a distinct cognitive approach that enriches our understanding of complex problems and innovative solutions. Reports suggest a higher proportion of millionaires are dyslexic. There is no way of defining the exact reason people are successful, however dyslexic or not, it is usually a different way of approaching problems.
Being dyslexic has offered me a different perspective on things. Dyslexics tend to begin their thought process from a different viewpoint, shaped by having to solve numerous everyday challenges that others might take for granted. This gives them a unique problem-solving approach. An example I provide people is how I’ve used AI to help empower me referenced at the start of this article.
Dyslexics often focus on abstract pattern recognition. Apply this logic to something bigger, like an idea or a problem-solving approach, and maybe, you will be one of those esoteric multi-millionaires (Like Richard Branson).
Embracing Diverse Thinking Styles
In a fast-paced world that often values quick decisions, dyslexia offers a unique perspective. Success isn’t about following rigid routines, but about embracing diverse thinking styles.
So whether you’re dyslexic or not, the next time someone says not to ‘overthink,’ remember they might be processing information in a different way to you. The world needs both—those who find patterns in chaos and those who find solutions in the details.
