Sensitive Leadership
Part of my mission of empowering HSPs is because I believe empowered HSPs can BE the Change the world needs.
High sensitivity is needed as part of the survival of the population. We were meant to be the guides and leaders the world needs. We have more empathy, more information, and stronger ethical and moral compasses. We want to do the right thing and we care deeply.
It's time to step into the paradigm shift of honoring and valuing sensitivity and each one of us is a part of that grassroots movement.
We KNOW that an empowered HSP thrives and has gifts the world needs.
I believe we need more HSPs in leadership roles, where laws and policies, and decisions are made, and HSP voices can be heard. I believe HSPs care deeply about protecting the earth, doing what is right and ethical, and protecting those in need. I also believe we need more sensitive people innovating and creating. I think about how amazing it could be if sensitive people were honored in all the places they are needed.
How can we do that?
HSPs have the potential to create new systems that work better. We have more information and that is valuable
HSPs care deeply and that caring can lead us toward equality, honoring diversity, and creating the much-needed change of prioritizing people over profit
HSPs in the medical community researching and creating alternative and holistic medicine for the sensitive (most medications and treatments are created for non-HSPs)
HSPs are needed to improve education systems that support and honor how sensitive students learn and how to support underrepresented populations
HSP leaders need to spread education and awareness about the trait of high sensitivity in all areas
HSPs are needed to support parents of sensitive children, which can create a whole generation of thriving HSPs
We need HSPs working on climate change and protecting the earth for generations to come
We need HSP writers creating scripts for mainstream TV and movies honoring the sensitive (positive and accurate representation creates change)
HSP voices and leaders are needed everywhere!
I also believe sensitive leadership looks different than what we have been taught about leadership and I want us to talk about it and open up ideas for what might look different and why we need sensitive leaders.
I've seen many of you express interest in stepping into leadership roles but feel a hesitancy, fear of overwhelm, lack of confidence, etc.
Here are some questions that might be interesting to discuss...
How might sensitive leadership look different than what we have been taught about leadership?
How would you define leadership?
How would the world benefit from having more sensitive leaders and role models?
Do you want to step into a leadership role? What would that look like for you?
Does something hold you back from stepping into a leadership role?
Imagine a world where sensitivity is honored and valued and we have more sensitive leadership. How can you be a part of that change?
Here are some thoughts from HSPs and I would also love to hear yours in the comments. What comes up for you reading this?
As an HSP, we can feel the room... So, the quiet ones who might have excellent ideas, but would never speak out loud... we can help by recognizing and empowering them... We bring balance to the atmosphere and relations.
I really like the following statement by Peter Drucker about good leadership and successful organizations: “The effective executive makes strengths productive. To achieve results one has to use all the available strengths — the strengths of associates, the strength of the superior, and one’s own strengths. These strengths are the true opportunities. To make strength productive is the unique purpose of the organization. It cannot overcome the weaknesses with which each of us is endowed, but it can make them irrelevant.” I feel like HSP leaders are especially well equipped to this as we can often feel the strength and potential in someone, even if it might still be hidden, and help to bring it to light in our empathetic, kind-hearted, and encouraging way.
I think sensitive leadership would differ from our traditional experiences. Sensitive leadership would be so much more than just delegating tasks and trying to get the best out of people. Although leadership has come a long way, I think it's more about enabling people to be their best through the recognition and nurturing of support that's needed for this to actually happen.
I think one of the challenges for HSPs stepping into these roles is creating the balance in time and energy and maintaining the boundaries that would be necessary. There is pressure, expectation and demand in leadership and managing this aspect along with meeting our own needs I think would be challenging in many situations. If we can manage this balance along with having constructive, supportive relationships around us, I think we have the ability to work through these areas in a smarter and healthier way as we are fair, reasonable, and assertive when needed.
The more I learn about HSP kids, the more I understand and realize how much support I needed as a HSP child and I want my kids to feel support and encouragement from school, not the stress, overwhelm and anxiety they are currently feeling. I know my HSP kids can bring so much more to the table. I would really like to find a way for these kids to be empowered and motivated to know that they can accomplish great things.
I wonder why can't things be more collaborative. I think things can work so much better when ideas are brought together to work through, not having one person shoulder all the responsibility. Having a heart to nurture and build rather than for the sake of profit.
I think that HS leaders would be less interested in putting themselves in the centre of things - the limelight. In getting the recognition or being the ones 'in charge'. Their awareness would let them see things from different perspectives, make considered decisions, really take in what colleagues and employees know and share, etc. They would, perhaps, be more likely to best use the strengths of each person and team. Be motivated to help people get along and work best together. Have the insight to notice and pick out the best ideas from people in the organisation and put them to use. Choose directions which benefit everyone, or as many as possible. Consider 'all the things' that matter, not just the 'bottom line'. Lead holistically, be ready to take on new directions/doing what really works, instead of being dedicated to doing things the way they've always been done or the way everyone else does them. Have a sensitive hiring process.
Some of the difficulties of sensitive leaders are that doing all of this is quite heavy; it would take a lot out of a HS person. Can they do it, given how much responsibility and time is required? It would require deliberate planning in order to maintain wellbeing and effectiveness. To not let it take over their lives, to not take on more than they can process, or everyone's problems, or 'do it all' themselves because they care the most. They will need to create a team around them that is talented and effective, and allows them to do what they do best and not be spread everywhere and lose effectiveness. They would need also to choose organisations where their sensitive approach is appreciated, where they won't always be battling the status quo, but have freedom to flourish and help the organisation to.
I am currently working in education. I am constantly sharing my feelings on student's experiences so we can do better for our students. My director was very interested to hear about HSP's. I worked with our previous director and he was the kindest, most compassionate person I had ever meet. I bet he is an HSP or empath or both. He was always supportive and that is so important in a leader.
Are you interested in joining us for a further discussion on Sensitive Leadership and helping to make positive changes in the world? Would you like support and ideas that can help you to become a leader and make change?
The Sensitive Empowerment Community is hosting a discussion about Sensitive Leadership and we would love for you to join us!
Julie Bjelland is a Psychotherapist specializing in high sensitivity, host of The HSP Podcast, and Founder of the Sensitive Empowerment Community, whose mission is to create a paradigm shift where sensitivity is embraced, valued, and honored. Julie offers multiple essential resources for educating, inspiring, and empowering HSPs. Register for her free Masterclasses, take the Sensitivity Quiz and profoundly transform your life in her courses and community. Her HSPs in Business Group is designed to support and empower sensitive people to grow heart-centered businesses, share their voices, and be part of the change the world needs. JulieBjelland.com❤️🌈❤️ (she/her)