Connecting: As a Dyslexic Thinking Strength

Being in connection can be found in most of the stories from highly successful dyslexics to mildly successful ones. When I think of a person who is highly successful in connecting, I think of Steven Spielberg.  He connects with millions of people when he makes a movie and brings a story to life.

Connecting is understanding self, connecting, empathizing, and influencing others.
(80% of dyslexics are above average at connecting)
Let me say that again.

80%
of dyslexics are
above average
at connecting

 

As I read this my heart hurts knowing that for so many dyslexics this is never talked about, and they might never realize the talent or gift of this strength. In my head, I can just see a kid sitting alone trying to figure out how to read all by themselves. I want to shout about this from a rooftop.

Right now, I have a client who is changing an entire industry for a whole country. This would not be possible if it were not for their ADHD and Dyslexia. The connections between people and things are amazing to witness from afar.  What they are making happen is not going to stop at the borders of their country, heck no, it is going to move well past that. It is AMAZING. And in large part thanks to their DNA.

For many of the analysts who are talking about the types of employees that will be needed in the near future, connectors are high on their list. It is a skill that can’t be replaced by AI or robots. It requires people to be engaged with each other.

Not only are we good at connecting in person, but literally some of our brain connections are longer.

“Now Neuroscience is giving extraordinary insight into the physical differences in dyslexic brains that lead to these enhanced thinking skills. 9 out of 10 dyslexics describe their thinking as ‘seeing past detail to gain a strategic (big picture) view of a subject/problem’. Dr. Manuel Casanova (University of Kentucky School of Medicine) has found that dyslexics have longer connections in certain parts of the brain, which explain this big-picture processing skill.”
Want to read more? MADE BY DYSLEXIA

A vast majority of my clients excel at this skill. One of them has recently retired from my coaching and we had so much fun getting him in connection with life and the people that would help him build his future.

What does AI have to say about jobs for people with this skill?

Top 10 Jobs For Skilled People Connectors
  1. Sales Representative: Building rapport and trust is key in sales, making this a perfect fit for someone who excels at connecting with others.
  2. Customer Service Representative: Whether in person or over the phone, providing excellent customer service requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to de-escalate situations.
  3. Social Worker: Building relationships with clients and providing emotional support is crucial in social work, making this a rewarding career for empathetic individuals.
  4. Teacher: Engaging students and fostering a positive learning environment requires strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  5. Event Planner: Organizing events and managing diverse groups of people demand excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  6. Public Speaker: Captivating audiences and communicating effectively on stage requires strong verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
  7. Human Resources Specialist: Recruiting, interviewing, and managing employee relations all require excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  8. Therapist: Building trust and rapport with patients is essential for effective therapy, making this a great fit for individuals who are compassionate and good listeners.
  9. Coach: Whether it’s sports, business, or life coaching, motivating and inspiring others requires strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  10. Recruiter: Sourcing and attracting top talent requires building relationships and understanding candidate needs, making this a rewarding career for those skilled in connecting with others.
Bonus:
  • Politician: Building a strong public image and connecting with constituents requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Actor/Actress: Captivating audiences and portraying emotions convincingly requires strong communication and empathy.
  • Comedian: Making people laugh and connecting with them on a humorous level requires strong social skills and wit.
  • Entrepreneur: Building a successful business often involves networking, building partnerships, and inspiring others, making strong interpersonal skills essential.

These are just a few examples, and many other careers can benefit from excellent people skills. Consider your interests, values, and other skills when exploring career options. Remember, even if spelling isn’t your strongest suit, your ability to connect with others can open doors to a fulfilling and successful career. END AI.

I like how AI didn’t stop at 10 options, it tossed in four extra options. That tells you that it is a really important skill.

Another career not mentioned above is a career in mediation & negotiation. It is an area that requires strong connecting skills. I would encourage more neurodiverse to go into these fields. They might be surprised how that turns out. The shared experience of navigating a world that doesn’t always accommodate their needs often fosters strong empathy in dyslexic individuals. This shared understanding translates to excellent negotiation skills, as they excel at comprehending the other party’s perspective and building genuine connections, ultimately leading to mutually beneficial outcomes.

Want to read more? Here is a good article to get you started.

BONUS JOB TIPS:
  • Look for jobs that emphasize “people skills” or “communication skills” in their descriptions.
  • Highlight your interpersonal skills and experience in your resume and cover letter.
  • Use strong action verbs (examples like increased, decreased) and specific examples to showcase your abilities.
  • Network with people in your desired field, ask if you can job shadow someone, and attend industry events.
  • Consider taking courses or workshops to further develop your communication skills and improve classes.

I can’t help but write an article about connecting things and trying to connect a whole lot of ideas into one context.

In what ways are you a connector and do you connect things in your life?

 

I like connecting people through my stories and with visual and verbal communication.
Thank you for taking the time to help me connect with you.

JoyGenea

 

REFERENCES:

https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/the-power-of-dyslexic-thinking

https://madebydyslexia.blog/2017/08/16/dyslexic-thinking-skills-explained/

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