When I was growing up, it was not uncommon to hear someone being told “Don’t be so sensitive.” Typically this was said when a person was being accused of reacting too strongly to some minor action. Another similar statement could be “why are you so sensitive?” 

Sensitive skin is referred to as being problematic and requiring special care. A sensitive stomach is something that can easily cause us problems. Eyes that are sensitive to the light can make it hard to see.

It seems that being sensitive, or too sensitive, is something to be avoided.

The problem gets exacerbated when we put other variables into the mix. Men are not supposed to be sensitive. Women are allowed to be sensitive, but not too sensitive. Or maybe they are expected to be too sensitive because that’s just how they are.

But what about leaders? How sensitive are leaders supposed to be? Is sensitivity a virtue in leadership, or something that is supposed to be avoided? Does sensitivity cloud our judgment, or give us insights that allow us to make better decisions?

Heather Dominick talks about how she was a victim of her own sensitivity. She experienced how being highly sensitive could negatively impact her mindset and her life. Despite all of this, she never realized that she was highly sensitive, and rather than being a flaw it was a character trait that she could use to help herself and others. 

Starting as a drama teacher, she decided to start her own business during the height of a recession. It was during this time that she started to understand what it meant to be a highly sensitive person.

As a result, she began to think about her entrepreneurial journey differently. She describes it as a lightbulb moment, where she changed what she thought was necessary to create success.

From this she created her Highly Sensitive Leadership Training Program for Entrepreneurs. It is a different approach from what has been traditionally thought necessary for business success. Rather than seeing sensitivity as a liability, she now views it as an asset and feature. Rather than trying to change who she is, she sees her sensitivity as part of her journey. And as we discuss, how this applies to designing experiences with sensitivity and awareness.