Are You Super Sensitive or Totally Laid-Back?
By Sandy Schroeder
If everything seems to bother you, and open offices practically drive you crazy, you may fit the sensitive stereotype. On the other hand, if you can sleep through a tornado, you may not be! Most of us land somewhere in the middle, but it is good to know how sensitivity scores or wobbles in a busy world.
Dr. Travis Bradberry, co-founder of TalentSmart, an agency that services 75 percent of Fortune 500 companies, recently took a look at these sensitive traits.
Bradberry says sensitive people can use their abilities to easily relate to others, or it can be a detriment if they react too quickly and too intensely.
See if you fit these sensitive characteristics.
Nothing escapes you – If you never let go of a project until every last detail is checked, you may be super sensitive. In the right job, such as proofreading, this trait can be invaluable. In the wrong job, it may slow you down.
You always mull things over – When things go wrong you may do a painstaking review of what happened. Sometimes this brings wisdom, sometimes not. Think about the results you get. Did your detailed analysis work, or not?
Errors drive you crazy – Some people take setbacks with ease and move on. If you do not, your sensitivity to making mistakes may create problems. Each time you make a mistake you may slow down more, struggling to avoid future mistakes. Making the effort to cut yourself some slack could help you lower the tension and help you work better.
Advice may be hard to take – Sensitive people sometimes make too much of criticism. Instead of seeing it as an effort to help, it may just be hard to accept. Step back a little and make the effort to learn from the suggestions.
You treat others well – If you are sensitive to remarks and reactions of others, you may go the extra mile to make people comfortable. This can make you a great team member and a treasured friend.
Office noise agitates you – Working in an open area with the constant background buzz may be almost impossible for you. See if you can find a corner cube, or work from home.
As always, the most successful people take the time, and make the effort, to know who they really are. Then they use their skills to the best of their ability to work in a demanding world. Whatever level of sensitivity you detect in yourself can help you if you recognize it and utilize the characteristics well.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Tampa, Fla.