Food for Thought – Highly Sensitive Individuals

An idea, a book, a concept—a “matter for thought” we share to open reflection, explore new subjects, and encourage you to think differently.

Could hypersensitivity become the new secret weapon for corporate creativity? The enthusiasm surrounding this trendy concept might suggest so. At companies like Orange, Thalès, Airbus, Sanofi, or SNCF, efforts are underway to leverage this cognitive difference—a privilege of some individuals. According to the two most prolific authors on the subject, Californian psychologist Elaine Aron (The Highly Sensitive Person and A Man’s Guide to Loving When You Are Highly Sensitive) and Franco-Swiss psychotherapist Saverio Tomasella (Ultrasensibles au travail and Too Sensitive to Be Happy?), about 30% of the global population could be highly sensitive (HS).

Be careful: just because you cry or laugh easily doesn’t automatically make you hypersensitive. Typical signs include overreacting, being overwhelmed by emotions, amplifying feelings and their narratives, quickly sensing others’ emotional states, occasional panic attacks, fear of conflict, rumination, or rapidly shifting from serenity to anxiety. Each symptom carries both potential drawbacks and advantages.

Some researchers explore the neurobiological basis of hypersensitivity, while others focus on measurement. For instance, Elaine Aron’s HSPS (Highly Sensitive Person Scale) consists of 27 questions, ranging from “Does music move you?” to “Are you particularly sensitive to the emotional state of those around you?”
As Flaubert once said of himself, “What scratches others tears me apart.” But not every hypersensitive person is necessarily an artist.

Competitive Advantages
Notices details unnoticed by others.
Has unique curiosities.
Anticipates intuitive reactions of colleagues.
Reads others’ true thoughts from body language.
Can empathize with everyone in a meeting.
Acts as a subtle emotion detector, a persuasive communicator, and a “telepathic” negotiator.

Structural Challenges
Difficulty organizing mental processes.
Struggles to structure cognitive architecture and prioritize tasks.
Potential for impulsivity (including sexual).
High vulnerability to stress.
Hard time making concessions; often feels misunderstood.
Can feel emotionally out of sync, leading to impostor feelings or negative relational patterns.

The ambivalence of hypersensitivity is key: it can be a powerful asset for companies if handled carefully. It brings expressiveness and humanity but doesn’t automatically equate to creativity or inventiveness. The challenge lies in regulating it without suppressing it and sharing it without normalizing it. This represents a new frontier for management and talent detection.