How to Thrive as a Highly Sensitive Leader

Highly Sensitive People (HSP’s) have scientifically-proven characteristics that make them talented leaders

Leaders are typically known for their strength and fortitude to lead teams through change and challenge. However, did you know that many great leaders are actually highly sensitive? If you are naturally observant, empathetic, intuitive, and creative, you might be a Highly Sensitive Person or have HSP characteristics. When these HSP characteristics are embraced and protected, they can supercharge your leadership capabilities.

By definition, a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is not someone who is sensitive in the traditional way that we think about sensitivity. If you say something constructive or even offensive to an HSP, they won’t necessarily break down and get upset. HSP’s are actually sensitive to energy — sensitive to people, environment, emotion, and their intuition. It’s estimated that 15 to 20% of the human population is highly sensitive in this way. Additionally, many people who are not HSP’s still possess some HSP characteristics.

I have always been extremely observant, noticing changes in the office environment or faint sounds that seem out of place. When I started leading teams at work, I could sense other people’s energy and how they felt. This helped me to quickly see how individual skills and interests…