Multi-potential or completely zebra-like?

We define as zebra, or even "pink unicorn" for our ever more original southern neighbors, the gifted person or person with high intellectual potential (HPI). We would count 2 to 5% of them in our population. Did you know that intelligence would first be a matter of genetics, but also of environmental factors and personality?

But be careful, it is not simply a question of quantitative intelligence, with a high IQ and a fast information processing speed, but also, and above all, of qualitative intelligence, which flourishes differently, and which is linked to great sensitivity. Indeed, the zebra's way of thinking is not linear or purely logical; its thinking is abundant, creative, intuitive. It reasons differently and makes connections in several directions at once, it is comfortable in complexity. It quickly detects errors and nonsense. It has a global and systemic vision, and it is easily able to analyze complicated situations and synthesize. Sensitive to what humans experience, it has a very fine perception of non-verbal and systemic issues.

HPIs tend to be multi-potential. The opposite is not necessarily true. That said, both learn quickly and master a multitude of tasks easily. Constant learning is a need: once new skills are mastered, they are no longer stimulated and are ready to move on. Finding their vocation, looking for a permanent job in a company or making a lifelong career in the same field? Not possible! Perceptive, fast and efficient, do they prove to be extraordinary assets at work?

How to work with this atypical profile?

That said, there are some drawbacks to the zebra's "giftedness". His atypical personality often does not fit well with established frameworks, routine tasks and authority. How can you get your ideas across when they are constantly scrutinized and questioned? He is often the one who finds the solution to a problem before anyone else, who will point out the wrong decision or direction, or find where there is a possibility of innovation. His need to understand and question can be exhausting. His bubbling ideas can also be difficult to follow. His hypersensitivity can be challenging , because he is quickly offended.

All of his attributes can become disadvantages when it comes to integrating into a hierarchical operation or building relationships between colleagues. He can be provocative, disruptive, arouse jealousy, annoy or simply destabilize a work team. Some are very shy, while others verbalize until it gives you a headache! You don't work with a zebra in the same way...

The zebra feels different himself, and has done so since childhood. Outside the box , he is out of step. His strong sensory sensitivity to the environment, his empathy and emotional hypersensitivity and his intuitive understanding of things create a discordance with others. However, he carries a permanent doubt of not being up to par, that of others, and he tries, strangely, to always do better. Misunderstood, he is often a victim of imposter syndrome. All this can create a hiatus with his visionary ideas, and make it difficult to express his leadership. His potential is formidable, but to make the most of it, it is better to understand it.