Years ago, in one of the job interviews, I was asked “Imagine the workplace as a football pitch, what position would you say you would be playing?”. I could say forward/striker to impress the person who was interviewing me, because that’s what most people would want to be. To score goals, to be in front, and to get most credits and to bring more “joy” to the team. But instead, I answered “defensive midfielder”, and explained:
“I prefer to be a bridge between the defense and the offense. I prefer to be on the background, helping my teammates with both defending the opposition attacks and also making the best attacking decisions to help my team to score.”
All my life, I intentionally chose to be in the background, doing my job quietly and giving my 100% (even more in most cases) to reach a greater goal. I always motivated the people I’m working with, tried to get the best out of them, but I did it quietly without showing off or making it about myself. But in most cases, this was mistaken as I’m not worth or suitable to lead or be a good leader.
I’m a highly sensitive person (HSP) and I’m an introvert. I became aware of this after reading a lot of books and articles about this subject. Of course, hearing the phrases like “why are you so sensitive”, “why are you so shy” or “why are you so quiet” all my life helped me to build interest and look into this subject. The more I read about it, the more I realized how I can relate with my own good qualities/traits and the ones related to leadership.
As a highly sensitive person (HSP), I believe that:
I encourage my team members to try new things and learn from their mistakes without unnecessary pressure.
I value/respect everyone’s opinion and input.
I’m aware of what’s happening in our organization and I direct my team(s) accordingly to achieve common good.
I have high innovative and creative skills and I know how to motivate/inspire others in my own way.
As an introvert:
I’m a very good listener and I actually pay attention to what people say.
I speak when I have something meaningful to say and don’t crowd my sentences with unnecessary information.
I can focus deeply on complex problems.
I’m humble and I’m open to feedback and suggestions.
I often develop meaningful connections with my team members.
I make decisions with certainty and clarity after very thorough and careful considerations.
Sensitivity is always considered a “weakness”, but it is a positive personality trait. Unfortunately, most companies think that, people with such personalities wouldn’t make good leaders in the workplace. Because in the world we live in, when you think about a leader, you automatically think about someone who is bold, loud and who always wants to be under the spotlight.
On the contrary, HSP leaders create a supportive, collaborative and productive work environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
Lastly, here are some books that I would like to recommend for people who are interested in the subject:
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking – Susan Cain
The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You – Elaine N. Aron
The Powerful Purpose of Introverts: Why the World Needs You to Be You - Holley Gerth
Sensitive: The Hidden Power of the Highly Sensitive Person in a Loud, Fast, Too-Much World - Jenn Granneman & Andre Sólo
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