Why High Sensory Leaders Are So Valuable

High sensory intelligence — also known as high sensitivity, or sensory processing sensitivity — is a trait shared by 20-30% of the global population. And yet, misunderstood and wrongly stigmatized, it's one of the best-kept secrets in the corporate world, especially among leadership. High sensory intelligence is a form of neurodiversity, although it's neither a diagnosis nor a disability. It simply means our brains are wired differently. With that different wiring comes an array of superpowers — including empathy, intuition, an understanding of nonverbal communication and energy, an unusual ability to see both the big picture and the details, a high level of conscientiousness and high standards of quality, among others — that help leaders read a room, think strategically, and inspire and generate loyalty within and outside of their organizations. In other words, ideal leadership qualities. And yet, the trait comes with challenges, too. Research has shown that highly sensitive brains optimize for group outcomes rather than individual success. These leaders are driven, but they tend to prioritize everyone and everything but themselves. This is especially true for women leaders, given the way most of us have been socialized. They struggle with setting, communicating and maintaining boundaries. They may be afraid to say no. And while they’re usually willing and eager to advocate on behalf of others, they often lack the confidence to speak up for themselves. So they take on everything, they take care of their teams, and they work extra-long and extra hard to ensure that they get their own work done, too. Those with families then go home and do the same thing, without stopping to recharge their own batteries. Those without families are often too exhausted to have personal lives. All are on a collision path with burnout.