In a fast-paced, results-driven world, being a highly sensitive person (HSP) might seem like a disadvantage. But what if your sensitivity is actually your superpower? Highly sensitive people possess unique gifts—like heightened empathy, sharp intuition, and an ability to notice subtle details—that can transform a workplace.
Whether it’s fostering meaningful connections, spotting potential problems before they escalate, or bringing creativity and innovation to the table, being a sensitive person has much to offer. In this blog, we’ll explore the remarkable strengths of highly sensitive people and how embracing these qualities can lead to thriving careers and more harmonious workplaces.
🧑💼 The highly sensitive person at work
High sensitivity is a personality trait found in just 20-30% of the population. Last week, we explored what it means to be a highly sensitive person (HSP) and the DOES model of sensitivity introduced by Dr. Elaine Aron. This model highlights the key traits of HSPs—deep thinkers who process information intensely, are easily overstimulated, possess a remarkable sense of empathy, and notice the subtle nuances of life that others might miss.
In the workplace, these unique gifts deserve celebration. HSPs often make exceptional employees or leaders.
They are visionaries, healers, and creatives —thought leaders who view the world through a distinctive lens. With their rich inner lives and heightened intuition, they bring imagination and insight to every task.
Their natural empathy enables them to connect deeply with others, making them excellent communicators and collaborators. Many thrive as entrepreneurs, where self-employment allows them to work in alignment with their values. As employees, they are thoughtful, dedicated, and conscientious, adding tremendous value to any team.
Numerous outlets have written pieces on the gifts of high sensitivity in the workplace.
- Fast Company (2023) write that HSP’s highlight what other’s miss, connect the dots and identify trends, and have exceptional people skills – skilled at reading others’ emotions and making them feel seen and heard [Source]
- Time magazine (2003) wrote that being sensitive is a gift, reiterating that with it comes creativity, innovation, and the ability to notice patterns, predict outcomes and make strong decisions [Source]
- And Forbes (2020) claim highly sensitive people make the best leaders, and have a deep capacity to channel their focus with precision, make thoughtful choices and spark rich insights in order to bring great ideas to the table [Source]
- A report by the World Economic Forum on the future of jobs states that by 2025, skills that HSPs often exemplify such as critical thinking, problem-solving, self-management, working with people, and communication will be most in demand.
🪷 “You were born to be among the advisors and thinkers, the spiritual and moral leaders for your society. There is every reason for pride.” ― Dr Elaine N. Aron
🤩 Famous highly sensitive people
If you’re highly sensitive, take heart—you’re in incredible company! Some highly sensitive celebrities and personalities known for their creativity, brilliance and contribution to society include –
- Albert Einstein: One of the greatest thinkers in history, known for his deep sensitivity and profound intellect
- Princess Diana: A deeply empathetic soul who cared deeply for others and used her sensitivity to connect with people worldwide
- Vincent van Gogh: A true artist who felt emotions intensely, famously stating, “I don’t know if I’m extremely sensitive or life is unbearable.”
- Charles Darwin: Thoughtful, creative, humble, and conscientious, with a rich emotional life that shaped his revolutionary ideas
- Nicole Kidman: Acknowledges being a highly sensitive child and reflects on her industry, saying, “Most actors are highly sensitive people.”
- Alanis Morissette: A vocal advocate for empowering highly sensitive people, especially in leadership roles (watch her speak to this, here)
- Kanye West: A self-described HSP, celebrated for his bold creativity and emotional depth
- Steve Jobs: Known for his visionary brilliance and emotional sensitivity, which fuelled his innovation
Highly sensitive people notice more about the world they live in. Not only that, they take what they notice, and combine it with prior information they’ve taken in and stored over their lifetime. This ability to take in and combine grants them the gift of conjuring up wonderful, novel ideas.
70-80% of people in the workforce are simply not wired to think this way! Can you see the immense gift and opportunity in that?
Hope that helps – your sensitivity is a superpower, one that should be celebrated!
Lauren.
🔥 PS: Next week, we’ll look at the shadow aspect of being an HSP in the workplace, as this personality trait is a risk factor for burnout. We’ll also look at strategies to help mitigate and support a sensitive nervous system.
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