A
highly sensitive person is someone who experiences intense emotions. In
psychological terms - it's called sensory processing sensitivity. Both men and
women are equally likely to be highly sensitive. Highly sensitive people are
greatly affected by what's going on around them, whether it's the noise in the
surrounding, lighting or room temperature. Their sensitiveness is visible when
it comes to noisy, busy or chaotic environments. They have an eye for detail and
like to process information slowly and methodically.
Highly
sensitive workers are easily overwhelmed and anxious if they have to do a lot
in a short period of time. They don't like having to do too many things at
once. It's their nature and not a disorder. Their motto may be "do it once
and do it right," rather than "just do it and do it again, if
it's wrong."
Coping with a highly sensitive person
at work
It is important to
understand a highly sensitive person. They are a boon to work with as they take
things which are usually ignored or overlooked by others. For example, sensitive workers at meetings make
sure everyone has a seat, or that the temperature in the room is good,
or the lights, or sun isn't bothering anyone. They attend to details with
others in mind. They try hard to avoid mistakes or forgetting things. So
colleagues may find them accurate and reliable. If
team members fail to realise the sensitivity of their co-workers, it can cause
issues. It depends on the
co-worker's temperament and attitude. Some teammates find sensitive people
great to work with as they tend to be really good at picking up on social signals.
When co-workers get tuned into emotions of highly sensitive people, it can be
good because they'll try to make things comfortable for everyone.
Traits of highly
sensitive colleagues
Highly sensitive
workers are comfortable digging deep into things, and this can be painful to
less detail oriented workers. They are seen as perfectionists and this can
drive co-workers to frustration who are “just do it” type. When sensitive employees
are assigned a task like create a policy manual they will go deep, look at all
the nuances and leave no-stone unturned. In fact they are the best workers for
this kind of job. However, to others they seem slow and lost in the weeds. They
may seem too emotional to some. Sensitive
people sometimes cry or grumble when someone does something nice at work. It
can be seen as unpleasant or attracting unwanted attention to less sensitive
workers when their colleague starts wiping away tears. This behaviour leaves
other employees at work to wonder if they did something wrong. During a
conversation, others are dazed at what they did to bring tears. Majority
of the team expect highly sensitive people to toughen up a bit at work. Let’s
understand once for all that such persons can’t toughen up. The trait appears
innate. And, it's not a disorder. That's part of the misunderstanding
surrounding highly sensitive workers. They are just more sensitive than other
workers, and we need to work with the advantages of such people. In
many organizations employees with a sensitive trait tend are well thought of by
their supervisors. They are really appreciated by their bosses.
Take it easy with sensitive co-workers
While
working with highly sensitive colleagues, pay attention to the fact that they
are susceptible to picking up your mood. When you are completely exhausted, they'll
absorb it. So, work on remaining calm and relaxed, it will be beneficial to the
team also. Colleagues
can refrain from seeing sensitivity as a weakness, and explore ways to approach
sensitive co-workers. For example, one thing that works is, if your
colleague starts crying, grumbling, complaining comfort them by calming them
down, get them a glass of water and let them take their time telling you what
they want to tell you. The intensity is not a cause for alarm, it's a signal to
take it easy.
Tactfully provide feedback
Yes,
have regular meeting with highly sensitive people and present your suggestions
in a calm and relaxed way. Giving time to review and reflect on the
conversations will help them to not over react. These highly sensitive people
connect with the higher sense of purpose and work towards delivering the same
with total commitment. Highlight how a sense of connectedness to the purpose is
an asset to the company and to the workforce as well. These traits will
definitely help in the long run through lot of understanding and awareness from
both the sides. Use your natural gift of being highly sensitive and conserve
your energy instead of getting stressed about facts which you cannot control or
is not in your hands. Surround yourself with plants and flowers to elevate your
moods and feelings and learn to speak up with issues that really bother you.
This will help you in delivering your work effectively and efficiently and do
not compare yourself to others. Each one of us is unique.
Comment
below with your thoughts. Watch this space for more insights on healthy mindset
for self-leadership. Want to bring about the culture of progress,
performance and productivity for maximizing your profits, attend our Turning
Point– Turn in and Tune in workshop. Mail us at culture@hasovan.com for more
details. Our team would be happy to get in touch. Catch the work-place
philosophy of various companies in the book “Erupt with Joy” by Savitha
Hosamane.
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