April Sabral is an executive leadership coach, author of “The Positive Effect” and founder of retailu.ca. | April Sabral Leadership.
In leadership, understanding the nuances of human behavior is essential for effective management. Two terms often used interchangeably are “sensitive people” and “emotional people.” While they may seem similar, these concepts possess distinct characteristics that can significantly influence leadership styles and interactions within a team. You may have been labeled as an emotional leader. If you have, this article may support you in discovering if you lean toward the more sensitive side versus showing up emotionally. This article will explore the difference between sensitive and emotional people and how this understanding can contribute to positive leadership.
Sensitive People
Sensitive individuals possess a heightened awareness and receptiveness to their environment. They are attuned to subtle cues, emotions and nuances others may overlook. Sensitive people tend to have deep empathy for others, allowing them to pick up on the feelings and needs of those around them. They are often intuitive and perceptive and keenly understand social dynamics. The benefit of this is that sensitive people are self-aware of their own emotions along with the feelings of others. And they are highly aware of their impact on others. This awareness often ignites positive feelings in others, allowing them to feel seen, heard and valued for who they are.
Emotional People
On the other hand, emotional individuals are characterized by their intensity and expressiveness of emotions. They experience feelings profoundly and may have more pronounced emotional reactions to situations. Emotional people are comfortable expressing their emotions and may find it challenging to suppress or hide their true feelings. They are often passionate and expressive and wear their hearts on their sleeves. This passion can positively influence their team as energy is contagious. Emotionally more profound individuals may create more substance in their relationships than sensitive people due to the nature of the depth and feelings they carry with others.
The Connection To Leadership
How do these labels and their related skills connect to leadership?
Empathy And Understanding
Sensitive individuals excel in understanding the emotions and needs of their team members. This heightened empathy allows leaders to connect more deeply, fostering trust and creating a supportive work environment. By recognizing and addressing the emotions of others, sensitive leaders can inspire and motivate their teams.
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional individuals bring passion and energy to their leadership roles. Their expressiveness can be infectious, creating enthusiasm and engagement within the team. However, it is essential for emotional leaders to cultivate emotional intelligence, ensuring that their own emotions do not overshadow rational decision-making or lead to impulsive actions.
Handling Criticism And Feedback
Sensitive individuals may be more attuned to criticism and feedback, which can be both a strength and a challenge. Sensitivity allows leaders to consider multiple perspectives and adapt their approach accordingly. However, leaders must strike a balance, not allowing criticism to hinder progress or become a source of personal discouragement.
Managing Conflict
Sensitivity and emotional expressiveness can influence how leaders handle conflict within their teams. Sensitive leaders may navigate conflicts by actively listening, seeking common ground and addressing underlying emotions. Meanwhile, emotional leaders need to ensure that their passion does not escalate conflicts or hinder effective resolution.
Building Relationships
Both sensitive and emotional individuals have a unique ability to forge strong connections with their team members. Keen leaders create a sense of psychological safety, making employees feel valued and understood. Emotional leaders can inspire loyalty and create an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing themselves.
While sensitive people and emotional people share certain traits, understanding the distinctions between the two is crucial for effective leadership. Sensitive leaders leverage their heightened empathy to connect with and inspire their teams, while emotional leaders infuse passion and energy into their leadership roles. By recognizing and embracing these differences, leaders can adapt their styles to build positive relationships.
Four Points Of Difference To Consider
How do you know if you are sensitive versus emotional? When assessing whether you align more with being a sensitive person or an emotional person, use the following.
1. Perception And Awareness
Sensitive individuals often possess a heightened awareness and sensitivity to emotions, both their own and those of others. They can easily pick up on subtle cues and fluctuations in mood. On the other hand, emotional individuals may experience emotions more intensely and outwardly express their feelings, often without necessarily being as attuned to others’ emotions.
2. Expressiveness
Sensitive individuals often express their emotions in a more reserved manner and may be cautious about openly sharing their feelings. On the other hand, emotional individuals tend to be more outwardly expressive, openly displaying their emotions without hesitation.
3. Emotional Regulation
Emotional individuals may experience frequent fluctuations in their emotional state, with their moods changing rapidly and dramatically. On the other hand, sensitive individuals may be more adept at outwardly regulating their emotions and managing their emotional responses, though they may still be deeply affected by them.
4. Sensory Sensitivity
Sensitive individuals may also exhibit heightened sensitivity to various sensory inputs, such as noise, light or textures. They may be more easily overwhelmed by external stimuli. Emotional individuals may not necessarily exhibit the same degree of sensory sensitivity, as their focus is primarily on the intensity and expression of emotions.
In my book The Positive Effect, I explore leading with awareness. This style of leading others asks the leader to gain introspection and self-reflect on their impact on others by heightening their sensitivity to those around them and connecting outwardly with their team versus reacting from an emotional place, particularly when things are not going how they want.
The bottom line is that positive leadership requires being both sensitive and emotional, as well as knowing when to balance them and step into both in a balanced way.
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