High Skill Level's Impact on Daily Tasks or The Influence of Superior Talent on Routine Tasks
Highly gifted individuals, those with an intelligence quotient of 130 and above, are characterised by their ability to achieve above-average performance in various areas. However, navigating the workplace can present unique challenges for these individuals.
One common misconception is that highly gifted individuals have social and emotional difficulties. Yet, there is no scientific evidence to support such general statements. In reality, highly gifted individuals may struggle with interpersonal hurdles, as they may be perceived as strange or their ideas may not be implemented quickly enough by employers.
To manage these challenges, highly gifted individuals can employ several key strategies. Firstly, they should seek challenging, meaningful work that aligns with their skills and interests. This helps prevent underload and keeps them intellectually engaged by allowing them to lead initiatives or solve complex problems.
Secondly, open communication with managers and colleagues is crucial. Honest dialogue ensures their voices are heard and needs are met, reducing feelings of isolation and overload.
Thirdly, highly gifted individuals should request appropriate autonomy and space to manage their own time and tasks. Avoiding micromanagement empowers gifted employees to work optimally without unnecessary pressure or constraints.
Fourthly, finding or creating clear career paths that recognize expertise without forcing managerial roles is essential. This respects their ambition and uniqueness, offering growth that suits them rather than traditional leadership tracks.
Practicing self-awareness and advocating for workplace accommodations if needed is also important. This could include flexible schedules or sensory adjustments to support neurodiversity and inclusion.
Adopting a growth mindset focused on continuous skill development rather than fixed notions of talent is another key strategy. This reduces pressure to be perfect and encourages steady progress rather than burnout or disengagement.
Regular exercise and relaxation techniques like yoga can help reduce stress for highly gifted individuals. It is not beneficial to openly discuss a high IQ in job interviews, as it may make leaders feel inferior and reduce chances of being hired. Instead, past high performances should be highlighted.
It is worth noting that approximately 2% of the population is highly gifted, which means around 1.7 million highly gifted individuals in Germany's population of 84 million. These individuals often have the ability to quickly analyze complex matters, but they may also experience boredom due to unchallenging tasks. Some may struggle with delegating tasks to others due to high quality standards.
Lastly, it's important to remember that not all highly gifted individuals are overachievers who can do and know everything in every area. They are individuals with unique strengths and challenges, and by understanding and addressing these, they can optimize their contributions while minimizing risks of overload, boredom, or social isolation in the workplace.
Revealing a high IQ in a team can cause envy and mockery and is not recommended. Specially trained psychologists can reliably determine the IQ through various intelligence tests.
By following these strategies, highly gifted individuals can thrive in the workplace, leveraging their unique abilities to make significant contributions while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Highly gifted individuals can utilize their 'free time' to engage in activities that improve their 'mental health', such as regular exercise and relaxation techniques like yoga. In the workplace, focusing on 'health-and-wellness' initiatives, like advocating for flexible schedules or sensory adjustments, can help manage stress and ensure a better 'workplace-wellness'.
