Unusual Talent: a Study of Successful Leadership and Delegation in Entrepreneurs who have Dyslexia

This study seeks to understand how successful entrepreneurs with dyslexia lead and manage their ventures and deal with workplace communications. Informed understanding of dyslexia potentially benefits organisations and helps employees to reach their potential. This research breaks new ground by providing evidence that positive aspects of dyslexia, when harnessed can benefit individuals and organisations. Two questions are examined, firstly, what explains the high proportion of people with dyslexia among successful entrepreneurs, and secondly, what skills or attributes have given these individuals a head start? Literature about dyslexia in adults in the context of the work place is examined alongside relevant entrepreneurship literature on leadership, team building and delegation. A simple methodology has been utilised, a convenience sample of successful entrepreneurs with dyslexia were interviewed about their skills and how they run their ventures. These interviews were taped, videoed and transcribed. They were coded and analyses for common themes. The study found that successful entrepreneurs who are also dyslexic have good oral communication skills they can communicate ideas clearly; they have good people skills; enthusiasm When they are in the process of starting the business they are able to network with others, explain their business vision and generate enthusiasm for their new venture. They are also often good salespeople because they have an interest in others. In short, the dyslexic potential entrepreneur may have skills that are very advantages for getting started in business. The ability to delegate is an essential task if the business is to grow and we see this skill in many dyslexic entrepreneurs. This is because dyslexics often learn early in life to trust those around them to do the things they are not so good at. Many of the respondents in this study found working in the corporate environment frustrating so running their own venture was a viable alternative career move. Practitioners working in further and higher education are uniquely placed to offer advice about career choices and will therefore find this study useful, as will students who have dyslexia.