Key Skills for Entrepreneurs

December 2nd, 2008 — tonymayo

A study found remarkably high rates of dyslexia among entrepreneurs, as compared with corporate managers and the general population. What I found particularly interesting was the list of traits dyslexics develop that have them become entrepreneurs more often, have multiple companies, and an above average number of employees.

The dyslexic entrepreneurs reported as good or excellent at: visualisation; oral communication; problem solving and delegation, whilst non-dyslexic entrepreneurs reported as average or good. Dyslexics had a clear vision of how their business would grow and seemed to have exceptional ability to communicate this vision, allowing them to motivate those around them. They were good at delegation and this seemed linked to ability to grow their companies quickly. They also reported enhanced ability to apply creative solutions to overcome the various problems they encounter whilst running a successful business.

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Some dyslexics in this study reported learning at an early age to ask others to carry out the tasks they found difficult.

Are we teaching potential entrepreneurs
in the best way to enhance their career success?

Julie Logan, Ph.D.
Cass Business School