Better At Work with Cathal Quinlan How Sensitivity at Work Can Be a Superpower Not a Burden with Melody Wilding
In episode eight of this Better@Work episode we explore with Melody Wilding how some of us sense and feel more than our colleagues at work and this can actually be a superpower instead of a liability.
Being a driven but sensitive individual is an interesting mix. You have all the desire for high achievement and go-getting but can also overthink everything, which slows you down. This overthinking can lead to putting too much pressure on yourself, experiencing imposter syndrome, having trouble “turning off” at the end of the day, overworking, and on your way to burnout.
Building on the work of Dr. Elaine Aron around highly sensitive people (HSPs), Melody shares how Sensitive Strivers are high-achievers who are also biologically and genetically different in being more sensitive to emotions and the world around them, because they process information more deeply than others, are often more susceptible to stress, emotional overwhelm, and overthinking.
The good news is that sensitivity, combined with a strong desire to be the best version of ourselves, can make Sensitive Strivers powerhouse performers. Melody’s research found managers consistently rate people with higher sensitivity as their top contributors. The key is learning to manage your mind and emotional responses in more productive ways.
Melody is a Human Behaviour Professor, Executive coach and Author of “Trust Yourself, Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work”, who was recently named one of Business Insiders Most Innovative Coaches.
This episode with Melody is insightful and informative in understanding sensitivity, how to harness it and also protect and channel your deep empathy into opportunities. Melody makes this super actionable and practical, and it was a true joy to have this conversation with her.
Quick episode breakdown:
- We learn one in five people are sensitive strivers, how they are highly empathetic and emotionally intelligent and how to identify if you, a friend or a colleague have this super power
- We discuss how Melody’s personal experience of severe burnout inspired her work and research
- Melody talks us through how we can stop taking work so personally, diversifying your identity for your own psychological safety
- We outline how to detox ourselves from “Honour Roll Hangover” of Perfectionism, People Pleasing and Over-functioning
- Melody explains the biological trait of sensitivity, the link to socialisation and imposter syndrome
- We unpack the guidance on how to counter sensitivity by taking action to build confidence, along with work-place people pleaser solutions of process and structure, strategic silence, celebrating small successes and not putting off life for work that can wait until tomorrow.
Let’s Take This offline
In our “Let’s take this offline” segment I debrief on Melody’s key insights with my friend Annette and answer a question from our listener Karina, who is struggling with a passive aggressive team member.
Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net
Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_
Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/
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About Melody
Learn more about Melody on her website
Her book, Trust Yourself, Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work
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