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ADHD and Entrepreneurs: What do Richard Branson, Bill Gates and Donald Trump Have in Common? |
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| 27/09/2006 | |
| ADHD and Entrepreneurs: What do Richard Branson, Bill Gates and Donald Trump have in common? Many successful entrepreneurs have not excelled in the education system, yet governments around the world are attempting to stimulate the creation and development of graduate entrepreneurs. There is a group of young people, those with Attention Deficiency and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), however, who appear to display many of the characteristics and ways of behaving traditionally associated with the entrepreneur. Like entrepreneurs, they tend, also, to under-achieve in the formal education system Indeed, research from the University of Southern California is reported to show that there is a genetic link between Entrepreneurship and ADD/ADHD and as one American medical doctor, Daniel G. Amen, has recognised individuals with ADHD are people who take risks, need people to help them stay organised, don't like working for other people, have a lot of energy and are good at multitasking. This suggests a definite link with ADHD and entrepreneurship that would not only help explain why so many successful entrepreneurs are not successful in the education system, but could help identify a potential source of entrepreneurial talent amongst a sizeable group of people currently regarded as problems or misfits. Hence, the aim of research recently undertaken at the University of Surrey, England, by Professor David Kirby and Danielle Honeywood, in partnership with the Surrey-based Studio ADHD Centre (www.addtherapy.net),is to explore the entrepreneurial tendencies of those with ADHD, compared with other sectors of society, and particularly the traditional university student. The findings reveal that the ADHD group possess more entrepreneurial tendencies than undergraduate students and, like successful entrepreneurs, is more likely to have a right brain learning preference, emphasising their creativity, as well as their ability to think intuitively and laterally. Clearly such findings have implications for the creation of student entrepreneurs, for education and for those with ADHD, suggesting that if the:- - entrepreneurial tendencies of those with ADHD could be harnessed successfully, then it should be possible to increase the number of new venture creations by students and young people. - education system is to create more student entrepreneurs, then it needs to change to develop the right-brain capabilities of its students, not just the left as has been traditional - entrepreneurial tendencies of those with ADHD are recognised and harnessed it should be possible to change public perceptions of them and help develop their self-esteem and self-worth. Such findings have implications not just for the creation of entrepreneurs but for the whole of society, including the creation of an education system that is fairer and does not disadvantage those who are not rational left brain thinkers, said Professor Kirby, recently. "In a modern knowledge economy, it is important that we do not waste resources simply because they do not conform". For further information on ADHD contact Nancy Williams at The Studio, 184 The street, Capel Nr. Dorking, Surrey, RH5 5EN. Tel: o1306 712300 or nancy@adtherapy.fsnet.co.uk. For further information on Entrepreneurship contact Professor David A. Kirby at the School of Management, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH. Tel: 01483 68 3989 or D.Kirby@surrey.ac.uk |
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