Borderline Personality Disorder: Unlocking the Hidden Benefits for Organizations.

Borderline personality disorder (#BPD) is a condition that affects one’s ability to regulate their emotions and maintain stable relationships. Despite the challenges that come with this disorder, individuals with BPD can possess certain skills that make them valuable employees for organizations. In this post, we’ll explore how organizations can benefit from employees with BPD, as well as the departments where they can excel.

1. Creativity and Innovation

Studies have found that individuals with BPD often display higher levels of creativity and innovation than those without the disorder. This could be because they tend to have a unique perspective on things and are more willing to take risks. For organizations looking to come up with new ideas and solutions, having employees who can bring a fresh perspective to the table can be hugely beneficial.

2. Intense Focus and Attention to Detail

Individuals with BPD can become easily focused on a specific task or project, demonstrating high levels of concentration and attention to detail. They can also be highly motivated to complete tasks with perfection, making them great employees for roles that require detail-oriented work such as data analysis or quality control.

3. Empathetic and Compassionate

Despite being known for their erratic and impulsive behavior, individuals with BPD are also known for their intense empathy and ability to connect with others on an emotional level. This can make them valuable additions to teams that require a high degree of interpersonal skills, such as human resources or customer service.

4. Ability to Cope with Stress and Pressure

Another positive trait of individuals with BPD is that they can withstand high levels of stress and pressure, due to the emotional instability that comes with the condition. They are often resilient and able to bounce back from setbacks, making them suitable for roles that require frequent challenges and adaptability, such as project management or sales.

Examples of Success Stories

One prominent example of an individual with BPD who has excelled in the workplace is Marsha Linehan, the developer of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), an evidence-based treatment for BPD. She attributes her success to her intense focus and attention to detail, which allowed her to learn and develop the therapy. She has also credited her personal experience with BPD as a motivating factor in her work.

Another example is #Lisa #Flynt, the #CEO of Larry Flynt #Publications, who has publicly shared her battle with BPD. She attributes her success to her ability to cope with stress and pressure, as well as her intense empathy, which helped her understand customers’ needs.

Individuals with BPD can possess valuable skills that make them suited for certain roles in organizations. By recognizing and supporting these strengths, organizations can create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. If you or someone you know has BPD and is looking for work, there are many resources available to support individuals with the condition in finding fulfilling and successful careers.

References:

Linehan, M. (2020). Applied Behavioral Science and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Behavior Modification, 44(3), 313-330.

Flynt, L. (2009). Larry Flynt: The First Amendment and My Battle with B.P.D. Reason, 41(4), 36-38.

Zanarini, M. C., Ruser, T. F., & Frankenburg, F. R. (2018). Axis I disorders in former borderline inpatients with versus without a history of sustained employment. Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation, 5(1), 7.