The post is developed in partnership with
BetterHelp.
If you do a quick internet search, search engines
like Google depict neurotics as terrible employees, including – a source of
team disharmony and a tendency to pass stress onto their coworkers in a
demotivating manner. It’s hardly surprising, then, that people with a history
of mental illness have a difficult time adjusting.
These core attributes — anxiety, self-criticism, and
always anticipating the worst – have empirical research that implies that
shifting these traits can have a favorable impact on an organization. Here’s how you can transform your prejudice
against neurotic workers and start appreciating them for what they bring to the
table.
They Are Always Striving For Something Better
When you live in constant fear of failing and assume
that your coworkers will think less of you because of it, it can be a
tremendously powerful motivator for neurotics to perform at their best
constantly. In the face of anxiety and the criticism of oneself that comes with
it, they are driven to keep working on themselves.
They Ruminate On Their Decisions
Even though this trait can have an evident
drawback in terms of provoking some anxiety in the bystanders who wait for them
to make a decision—this trait can also be an advantage in a role where the
purpose is being able to predict and mitigate issues, or when a thorough
evaluation of a certain subject is necessary.
The Have A Talent At Dealing With Bad News
There are obvious advantages to working with someone
who is continuously cognizant of probable setbacks, and can certainly be useful when allowed to examine and
minimize costly mistakes.
They’re More Self-Aware Than The Average Joe
Neurotic people tend to have more realistic
self-awareness and expectations, which can provide a refreshing shift in
managing expectations in the workplace, compared to a pompous or over-promising
coworker.
They Have More Emotional Depth
Neurotic people also have a more robust capacity for
empathy. They are very understanding of the challenges of others because of
their ability to deal with unpleasant emotions more effectively than other
members of the team. However, being emotionally intelligent doesn’t mean you
should take on the brunt of emotional labor. If you feel overwhelmed at work,
visit BetterHelp to
learn how therapy can help you work through this.
What Job Roles Best Suit Neurotic
Individuals?
Neurotics can thrive in academics, as entrepreneurs,
writers, artists, accountants, and in freelance roles that allow them to work
independently while not having to play a false character and mask their inner
anxieties. Any position where they could come up with and share fresh,
innovative ideas is perfect for someone who considers themselves
neurotic.
How To Make The Workplace Better For Those
With Neuroticism
It is still possible for people with anxiety
disorders to succeed in the workplace. Managers must learn to harness their
nervous energy and use it to their advantage. Here are some ideas to help you
get the most out of your neurotic employees:
- Consider putting them in positions that
need near-obsessive attention to detail, such as those in compliance or
financial management. Neurotic individuals excel at risk assessment and
management because of their inherent caution. Neurotic individuals excel
at risk assessment and management because of their intrinsic caution. - Give neurotic employees extended deadlines,
so they don’t feel like they’re under too much stress. - Do not interfere with their productivity. When left to their own devices, neurotic people
are at their most productive. - They should be encouraged to collaborate in
groups. As a group, neurotics often put in a lot of work; therefore, there
are many potential upsides.
- Show your gratitude by expressing your
appreciation with a lot of good remarks. People with neuroses require a
lot of encouragement in order to feel good about themselves. - Don’t be afraid to put them in leadership
roles. Risk-averse neurotic people have saved several organizations from
the edge of disaster by shooting down the crazier ideas from their fellow
executives.
