Dealing with Highly Sensitive People in Business

In today's fast-paced world of business, sensitive people are sometimes considered annoying. Everything is moving constantly and it's the quick thinkers and fast responders that reach the mark. However, when encountering sensitive people one has to pause and tread softly in order to pass through without conflict. Words must be carefully chosen and carefully administered. Actions must be guarded so as to not offend or give the wrong impression.

Those who are not as sensitive are more likely to succeed in most ventures. They rarely take things personal, are not easily offended, and can therefore endure. Rather than succumb to emotion they use reason and argue the facts.

Sensitive people are frequently held back by their emotions. Their own personal sense of what they consider right and wrong gets in the way of reality in the world of business. They balk at what they consider unfair while less sensitive people realize that life in the world of business is seldom fair and they roll with the punches.

It's difficult to know whether or not a person is sensitive until there has been some kind of interaction. Nevertheless, their sensitive nature usually reveals itself when they are engaged in conversation. Rather than staying with the facts they will become defensive or apologetic, depending upon the circumstances.

Overly nice behavior is a dead giveaway. When a person acknowledges someone with syrupy greetings it's a good sign that they are highly sensitive. Most people treat others the way they expect to be treated. The best way to get around this person is to respond in kind.

Moodiness can be a sign of a sensitive person but not always. Still, when encountering someone who's down or seems a little blue, approach with caution. Typically, people who are not highly sensitive want to deal with their own problems. Highly sensitive people need help sorting them out. If this is not a sensitive person their response will be more of a "none of your business" attitude where a sensitive person will usually be eager to share the problem.

Dealing with highly sensitive people can be very trying for those who are usually straight forward and not as sensitive. They get frustrated with having to censure everything they say and do. They must refrain from all sarcasm or any attempt at humor due to the sensitive nature of the one they're dealing with.

This is very difficult for those who shoot from the hip and commonly speak their mind in their own environment. They have to stop and change their personality to accommodate the emotions of the sensitive person in order to get past them to where they want to be.

Highly sensitive people usually don't make it to the higher levels of most businesses but they are employed by them and one may have to go through them to get to the higher ups. Learning how to deal with sensitive people can make the passage much easier. If cooperation is the goal it is important to recognize the personality of the person with which one is dealing. If the person shows no signs of being sensitive then whit and sarcasm may be just the ticket but if the person shows any signs of being sensitive then avoid whit or any kind of humor.

Never overestimate the effect of phony social behavior which goes a long way with highly sensitive people. They love flattery and compliments of any kind. Humility is a must. The higher ups may appreciate confidence but sensitive people are turned off by it. They love appreciation so be overly appreciative of any assistance they may offer.

Lastly, keep in mind that highly sensitive people are usually goodhearted and kind which is a little scarce these days, especially in the world of business. Why offend them if it can be avoided? God keeps an eye on all of us, especially the innocent. "It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than that he should offend one of these little ones."

There's a big difference between being less sensitive and not caring. It doesn't take a lot of effort to be cordial even when one is under stress or in a hurry. And a sincere, heartfelt "I'm sorry" covers a multitude of "sins" even among the less sensitive.