Quiet Signals

Hello beloved Insider – it’s Miriam 👋🏻

Whether you've just joined through recent research conversations—
or you've been quietly walking this path for a while—
you're exactly where you need to be.

Today, I’m gently inviting you behind the scenes of my Master Thesis research. With explicit permission, I’m anonymously sharing three powerful moments from one highly sensitive leader I interviewed. His reflections offer quiet yet profound insights into intuition, intelligence, and integrity—whether or not you have children, these subtle lessons speak deeply to our human experience.

INTUITION · Honoring Quiet Awareness

Radical sensitivity isn't loud.
It notices subtle signals,
reads what others overlook,
and asks gently: What's behind these words?

This leader shared a simple yet profound moment: One icy morning, half-asleep and slightly rushed, he got into the car with his young daughter. Quietly, she reminded him:
"Drive carefully—it might be slippery."

His initial reaction was irritation. But later, reflecting on her words, he saw something deeper: an intuitive awareness born of genuine care. In recognizing this, he understood that sensitivity isn't a burden—it's a gift, quietly revealing truths beneath the surface.

Hack #1: When irritation surfaces, pause. Gently ask yourself:

"What deeper truth might this reaction be pointing me toward?"

INTELLIGENCE · Trusting Your Inner Voice

Sensitivity is not fragility—
it’s subtle intelligence, quietly guiding.

Another moment this leader described involved his two daughters in a toy store. One daughter stood uncertain, unsure whether to buy something, turning to her sister for advice. The response was quiet yet powerful, reflecting the lessons he'd gently instilled in them:
"Remember what Dad always says—listen carefully inside, and you'll know."

This moment illustrates the profound impact when we trust and nurture inner wisdom—whether with children, colleagues, or ourselves.

Hack #2: Next time you're uncertain, quietly check in:

"What would I choose if I truly trusted myself?"

INTEGRITY · Cultivating Trust

Integrity isn't loud declarations.
It's quiet alignment, honest acknowledgment,
and gentle reassurance.

In a final reflection, this sensitive leader shared how he learned to reassure his daughter after sensing her hidden worries:
"You don't have to carry this burden. It's mine—but thank you for caring."

We all crave reassurance—that our sensitivities, perceptions, and quiet anxieties matter. Integrity emerges when we gently acknowledge and honor this, building trust not only in relationships but also deeply within ourselves.

Hack #3: Reflect quietly on a relationship that matters deeply:

"How can I gently reinforce trust today?"

Thumbnail Photo of Andraz Lazic on Unsplash

3 Readings for Quiet Leaders

The Art of Quiet Influence – Jocelyn Davis
Leading gently by tapping into your subtle wisdom.

Sensitive: The Hidden Power of the Highly Sensitive Person in a Loud, Fast, Too-Much World – Jenn Granneman & Andre Sólo
Transform your quiet strength into profound leadership.

Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom – John O'Donohue
Discovering sensitivity and presence through soulful insight.

Reflection in Verse

You perceive beneath surfaces,
capturing quiet truths
others overlook.

Sensitivity
is your quiet power—
not a flaw to manage,
but a gentle strength
to honor.

Trust your subtle wisdom,
lead softly
from the clarity
within.

With deep respect for your quiet strength,
Miriam

Researcher, Coach & Founder of Ikigami