Sensitive Strivers in the Workplace with Melody Wilding
Oct 3, 2023
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Join Melody Wilding, a licensed social worker and professor at Hunter College, as she discusses how sensitive strivers can leverage their unique qualities as strengths in the workplace. Learn about overcoming imposter syndrome, shifting focus from negativity to positivity, building trust in intuition, setting boundaries, and promoting her book and Quitter Club for career support.
Sensitive strivers can leverage their emotions as strengths in the workplace.
Imposter syndrome can be overcome by building self-trust and practicing self-awareness.
Deep dives
Discovering Sensitive Strivers
Melody Wilding introduces the concept of sensitive strivers who are highly sensitive individuals driven by a desire for meaning and growth. These individuals often struggle with inner criticism and burnout due to their strong emotional depth and overachieving tendencies. Wilding emphasizes the importance of recognizing sensitivity as a strength and learning to leverage it effectively in navigating professional environments like corporate America.
Identifying Characteristics of Sensitive Strivers
Sensitive strivers are individuals who experience emotions deeply and are deeply affected by their surroundings. They tend to deliberate before taking action and may feel uncomfortable when put on the spot. Strong inner drives to exceed expectations and a tendency to put others' needs before their own are common traits of sensitive strivers. Additionally, they often struggle with setting boundaries and managing stress, leading to potential burnout.
Nature vs. Nurture in Sensitivity
The discussion delves into the complex interplay of nature and nurture in sensitivity. While sensitivity is a biological trait present in around 20-30% of the population, societal factors heavily influence how sensitivity manifests. Socialization, especially with gender roles, plays a significant role in how sensitivity is perceived and expressed. The conversation highlights how both men and women face challenges related to sensitivity, influenced by societal norms and expectations.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Building Self-Trust
Imposter syndrome is a significant challenge faced by sensitive strivers, characterized by self-doubt and difficulty internalizing accomplishments. Melody Wilding emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between fear-driven thoughts and genuine intuition. Building self-trust entails starting small, making decisions based on gut feelings, and practicing self-awareness to recognize positive outcomes and personal strengths. Recognizing the role of negativity bias and fostering an accepting attitude towards oneself are crucial in combating imposter syndrome.
Welcome to another exciting episode of Lessons from a Quitter. I'm thrilled to have you tuning in today because we've got a special guest, Melody Wilding, joining us. Melody, a licensed social worker and professor at Hunter College, dives deep into the world of Sensitive Strivers–individuals who feel things intensely, often grappling with criticism, the need for validation, and more. Melody shows us how these qualities can be superpowers, not weaknesses. Listen for her insights on leveraging our sensitivity and overachieving nature to thrive in the corporate world and banish imposter syndrome along the way.