12 Reasons Why High Sensitivity Can Be a Strength

As a coach to highly sensitive professionals, I frequently see clients struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome that results from being in the minority. Only about 20 percent or so of the population is highly sensitive (meaning they have a more responsive nervous system), so it’s no wonder you feel different—because you are.

But “different” is not bad; thinking and feeling deeply isn’t a defect. You see, your sensitive qualities, when channeled productively, can be your career superpowers. Managers consistently rate people with higher sensitivity as their top contributors. That’s because highly sensitive people (HSPs) are often more thoughtful, conscientious, empathetic, and dedicated, all of which make them ideal employees and leaders.

The key to using your high sensitivity as a strength at work comes down to self-acceptance and confidence. Stepping into your power requires you to recognize that your innate qualities are both rare and valuable, particularly in today’s business world, where incivility seems to reign.

It’s time that your highly sensitive self fully leverages your unique gifts and brings a refreshing set of contributions to the table. Here’s how.

12 Superpowers HSPs Bring to the Workplace

1. You're diplomatic when it matters most. As a highly sensitive person, you think longer and more deliberately before speaking. This tendency to pause before acting is a hallmark of sensory-processing sensitivity, according to psychologist Elaine Aron, who first discovered the high-sensitivity trait. That means you’re thoughtful with your words. In the workplace, this translates into being able to balance different people’s perspectives and tactfully communicate, even when the pressure is on.
2. You're a highly critical thinker. Studies have shown that sensitive people have more active brain circuitry and neurochemicals in areas related to mental processing. So, the HSP brain not only takes in more information but also processes that information in a more complex way. Work-wise, you are likely heralded for the way you explore various angles and paths, whether it’s a proposal for a new business plan or trying to solve a team challenge.
3. You're extremely self-aware. As an HSP, you have a vibrant inner life and are likely well-acquainted with your emotional landscape. While this level of self-awareness may be second nature to you, it’s an indisputable asset in terms of your career. For example, people with more accurate self-perceptions tend to perform better in the workplace and are better able to tailor their leadership style to the situation at hand.
4. You're skilled at spotting opportunities for innovation. Evolutionarily speaking, HSPs pick up on environmental cues that others miss. In the modern world, for example, this vigilance means you’re constantly scanning for ways to make improvements in the workplace and offering novel suggestions. You probably also find that you’re the person who highlights gaps before they become problems, which can save valuable time and money. In essence, your attention to subtleties makes you a creative, inventive problem-solver.
5. You're capable of integrating and managing large amounts of information. HSPs’ depth of processing and conscientiousness are the perfect combination for roles that require organization, collaboration, strategy, and information management as core skills.
6. You impress with your thoroughness. Because HSPs think things through, consider multiple angles, and often foresee potential issues or outcomes, they are often thorough in their work. Their ability to spot subtlety translates to meticulousness in tasks, making their output often stand out in terms of quality. But they have to be wary not to fall into perfectionism.
7. You have a pulse on group morale. Research shows that HSPs have more active mirror neurons (which helps them empathize and understand other people’s behavior). This is why you may find that you can sense people’s moods long before they say a word.
8. You have strong intuition. Have you ever had the experience of knowing a situation feels off? Or how about the opposite—feeling in your gut that a certain direction or decision is absolutely right? According to a survey of executives, the majority of leaders leverage feelings and experience when handling crises. As an HSP, you have a great capacity to recognize patterns and synthesize different inputs. Your intuition is more highly developed, constantly adding new data to your bank of knowledge about the world and yourself.
9. You focus on the big picture. Again, the depth with which HSPs process information means they often look beyond surface-level details. They're not just interested in the "what" but also the "why" behind actions and strategies. Due to their heightened sensitivity, HSPs might be more affected by the outcomes of their actions. This sensitivity drives them to ensure that their actions align with a larger, positive purpose.
10. You create a harmonious environment. Due to your ultra-awareness and empathy, you value different working styles. As a result, you give people the space to be independent and create working conditions where they can thrive.
11. You're a pillar of integrity. HSPs value fairness. In fact, research shows that HSPs tend to score higher on ratings of justice and ethics in studies. In your career, that means you can always be counted on to follow through.
12. You're constantly learning and growing. Every client I’ve worked with has a thirst for knowledge. HSPs have a drive for growth and are frequently immersed in personal and professional enrichment outside of work that may include coaching, courses, certifications, books, and additional training. This is the best career insurance there is because it means you’re evolving and advancing, regardless of the conditions around you.

As a highly sensitive person who experiences strong emotions, you might feel like you’re carrying a heavy load at times, especially in the workplace. But the truth is, you likely have a huge amount of untapped value to share with your coworkers, clients, and in your career as a whole. Embrace being an HSP in the workplace for all the positives you bring to the table.

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