This article is written by Carolyn Palmer Linton, Correspondence Consultant at Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. This article is one of the finalists in Apolitical’s 2020 women in government writing competition.

I grew up in a very strict Caribbean household.

As the first child and only daughter to immigrant parents, there was little tolerance for mediocre grades or dirty dishes. Subpar accomplishments and unfulfilled parental requests were met with a firm conversation or a quick tap on my rear-end from my mother.

My parents understood that as a Black child, the world wouldn’t be easy for me and their tough-love approach was a necessary survival mechanism for the harsh realities of life.

As time went on, I noticed that I had developed an amazing physical resilience, taking part in sports and proudly showing off cuts and bruises from playing outside. However, I was also one of the few players on the team truly heartbroken at the loss of a game. I had very little resolve and generally ran away from confrontation. The adage about sticks and stones breaking bones, but words having no effect, hasn’t rung at all true for me.

Women are often labelled as being too sensitive or suspected of experiencing a monthly hormonal imbalance when they cry. So, I’ve learned to ignore a lot of things or to excuse myself from situations altogether if I know there is a possibility for conflict or that those around me just wouldn’t understand if I were to shed a tear. Thankfully, by living in a digital age, I’m afforded time to gather my emotions before responding to a hurtful email.

Society often views crying as a sign of weakness; an emotional disadvantage that is typically not embraced in professional settings — especially when dealing with serious government policy initiatives. Believe me, I’ve cried when a senior leader has said unkind things about me. And I cried when explaining to colleagues why George Floyd’s death impacted me even as a non-American. In both instances, I felt embarrassed and vulnerable.

I have come to terms with the fact that the pandemic’s travel restrictions mean I won’t be travelling far very soon, just as I came to terms earlier in life with the unlikelihood of ever meeting The Wizard of Oz and so getting a dose of courage like the Cowardly Lion. But I have a big heart, and it’s time to make it work for me.

Research shows that 1 in 5 people are known as Highly Sensitive People or "HSPs". Being an HSP doesn’t mean you have a disorder or a condition. It simply means that you experience the world differently and have an increased sensitivity to situations or information. Knowing that I’m not alone and that it’s completely normal creates a huge sense of relief. And looking back, I can see how my sensitivity has been a force for good in my career as a public servant.

Here are a few advantages to having heightened emotional sensitivity:

You aim to please

As public servants, ownership and accountability are crucial to the work we do. And it is important to acknowledge that we are expected to deliver to a certain standard. Obtaining a merit increase or requesting a job reference will seldom be an issue when genuinely caring about the work you do becomes common practice.

You think outside the box

A sensitive nature can cause you to question everything. It can drive you to want to know how a certain policy will affect every market segment and socioeconomic demographic. You will have a desire to ask the hard, uncomfortable questions because you tend to put yourself in the shoes of those who will have to live with the consequences of what’s discussed at the decision-making table. This can actually help you to develop a more collaborative, diverse and inclusive policy lens.

You have emotional intelligence

If you think HSPs have it hard, imagine what some of our colleagues battling actual mental health conditions must experience. Being sensitive allows you to empathise with others. You can better notice spoken and nonverbal emotional cues – even through email.

This keen awareness can be crucial when approaching a senior executive for expedient approvals, dealing with a stakeholder on a contentious matter, or simply asking for an extension on a project deliverable. Knowing how to deal with different personalities and behavioural patterns can be one, if not your most valuable superpower.

I am very grateful to my parents for their love, sacrifices and guidance that have anchored me throughout the years. And know that there is great value in embracing your own unique traits and those of your colleagues; combining your powers for the good of humanity. — Carolyn Palmer Linton

(Picture credit: Unsplash)

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