If you are one of the ~20% of the population who is highly sensitive, you have probably heard (ad nauseam, since you were a child) “oh, you’re too sensitive”, or “what are you worrying about that for”, or even “hmm, I have never thought about that”. You have probably felt mystified by others (and they by you); overwhelmed, maybe even an outsider.
Once you started working, you have perhaps seen things coming or solutions to challenges that were obvious to you, way before others saw them. You may even have tried to tell other people what you saw, only to be ignored, then irritated (or infuriated) when three months later some bright spark put your idea forward as their own, and as if they had just discovered gold.
If you are one of the 80% who is not highly sensitive, you have probably said those things. You may have largely dismissed the people you said them to as puzzling, “a bit funny”. You may even have absorbed their ideas and insights – consciously or unconsciously – and later put them forward as your own, then been puzzled why they seemed irritated.
Yes, highly sensitive people are different. However, before you dismiss them, consider that this is a trait with evolutionary impact on the survival of our species. Because it is the highly sensitives’ ability to see things coming, notice things that others miss, that has helped keep the species safe, healthy, and reproducing. Otherwise – if they were weaker – they would have been wiped out long ago. Yet, extensive research by numerous researchers from a variety of perspectives has shown that high sensitivity is a trait shared by roughly 20% of the populations of over 100 species. So enough to be significant, but not enough to have been obvious or widely talked about (until recently that is).
High sensitivity is simply another form of diversity. And a form of diversity with an important part to play in our communities and our organizations. It behooves us to understand the capabilities of highly sensitive people (HSPs), and to take them into account as we plan for the survival of our businesses, not to mention our world.
And since we are talking about 20% of the population, it is likely that 1 in every 5 people you know – and work with – is highly sensitive. It could be that you are.
Characteristics
So here are some of the key characteristics of this trait. HSPs:
- Take in more information and process it more deeply, or differently, than others
- Notice things that others miss, or do not value as important (at least initially)
- Experience higher emotional highs and lower emotional lows
- Are aware of subtleties that others are not
- Have deep and rich connections with others and with their own lives
- May be gifted, or contribute surprising, even thought-provoking perspectives
- Can be easily startled
- Generally prefer low-key lighting, and quieter atmospheres
- Probably do not enjoy violent movies, and may not be able to handle caffeine
- Become irritable when there is too much going on at once
- Feel overwhelmed more readily
- May withdraw more often than others, or unexpectedly
This last part of the trait can be confused with introversion. However, the research of Dr. Elaine Aron, one of the leading experts in this field, shows that fully 30% of HSPs are extroverts. So just because you are an extrovert does not necessarily mean you are not also highly sensitive.
So who came to mind as you read the list? Who does not fit easily with the rest of a group, team, or family that you are part of, but tends to contribute thoughts and ideas that make you stop and think (or even shake your head in wonder)? As you stop to think about these people, what do they see that you might not have noticed; what might they be pointing to for you to look at?
And how might it be useful to know more about how to best use these people in your organization?
Resources
If you (or someone you know) might be highly sensitive, here are some places to look next:
- Take the self test
- Browse the HSperson website
- Read The Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron, or Making Work Work for the Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Barrie Jaeger
- Notice how you (and others around you) react to stimulating situations
- If you notice you get overwhelmed, carve out time to decompress, and let the overwhelm subside.
- If you notice others around you get overwhelmed, talk to them about how they might give themselves time and space to let the overwhelm subside, and point them to these resources
- Learn the one-minute meditation
- Start meditating and journaling regularly
- Schedule a complimentary chat with me or one of the other coaches on Dr. Aron’s website to explore how you can manage the impact of high sensitivity (your own or others’) in your business and your life.
These suggestions will get you started. Now, I would love to hear your feedback. Having read this, who do you know who might be highly sensitive? What is different about them that you treasure, what do they bring that no one else brings to your business or your life?
Coming soon: high sensitivity and culture, organizational and geographic.