Being an introvert at work could be difficult to deal with sometimes. This is partly because most people believe that employers prefer hiring and promoting extroverts. Extroverts are extremely social; they enjoy large gatherings and love frequent communication. Hence, it’s very easy for extroverts to always be in the spotlight. Regardless of the attention extroverts get, building a successful organization requires more than just extroverts. In other words, the workplace is not exclusively for extroverts.
For a sustainable workforce, there must be a fair balance in the way employees distribute their energy. While extroverted employees exercise their strengths in physical activities, the inward energy of introverted employees is necessary to prevent a skewed workflow. To be employed means you are qualified enough, together with your introverted nature.
However, due to societal norms, the emphasis is often laid on outspokenness and interpersonal dynamics. Learning how to succeed as an introvert at work is crucial, though this takes a careful and deliberate effort to achieve. This article will highlight some tips on how to succeed as an introvert at work. Read, replicate, take advantage of your inner strengths, and regain the credit you deserve in your workplace.
Be a good listener
It’s good to understand that you are not as active as your extroverted colleagues when it comes to talking. But you can substitute talking skills with excellent listening skills. Quit trying to come up with an immediate reply to every speech, rather listen attentively while your colleagues talk. You can depend on asking important and meaningful questions as part of your contribution. After all, asking clever questions is a rare skill. Your colleagues tend to pay more attention when you talk if they identify that you always ask important questions.
Blow your trumpet when necessary
Introverts to tend to hid themselves from the limelight. They get the job done most times, and because of the tendency to shy away, others get the praise they deserve. Although this is part of their traits, it’s a red flag for workplace success. Continuing like this will result in constantly being overlooked for an important task even when you are highly competent in that area. Learning to nudge yourself and letting people know what you capable of is a crucial trait on how to succeed as an introvert at work. Don’t be afraid to share your knowledge and technical abilities with others. It enables you to earn the respect and value that you deserve.
Withdraw and recover once you have the opportunity
Depending on the job description, most workers spend quality time in work-based discussions. It could be talking with clients as a customer rep, closing deals with clients or negotiating contracts with other firms. For introverts, such daily activities can be draining and are capable of reducing their productivity. Hence, you need to spare some time for yourself from those moments you have control over. Learn to withdraw from the crowd, perhaps during lunch or break. Such a short period of personal time alone can make lots of difference for you. It will help you to recover some extroverted muscles necessary for the rest of the day.
Accept leadership roles
Introversion at work could result in the avoidance of leadership roles. It’s almost natural for introverts to avoid leadership role when given to them, not to mention volunteering themselves. However, to be successful at work as an introvert, there is a need to begin accepting leadership roles when given. Accepting a leadership position helps an introvert to establish authority in the workplace, without having to be as loud as others. The accepted leadership role affords you the respect and attention of others when you decide to speak. And besides, introverts make very good leaders because they are less impulsive and very thoughtful.
Always prepare for meetings and presentations
Everyone needs to prepare before they can do well at meetings and presentations. But trust me; an introvert needs that preparation more than anyone else. This is because Interpersonal settings have a way of provoking anxiety in introverts, who always need lots of time to put thoughts together. The key to overcome this is constant preparation ahead of time. For meetings, ensure you have write-ups of the possible questions you expect and how to answer them. Also, list the ideas you want to share. Presentations require that you build a sense of confidence in yourself through multiple rehearsals.
Take advantage of your mysteries
Introverts are always presumed to be some kind of mysterious because they are not predictable or easily understood. As an introvert, you can, however, use these speculated mysteries to your advantage by showing up when least expected. Sometimes, do flashes of unannounced humor, be free and lively with everyone, perform unusual activities and other events people least expected you to do. This can win you the heart of fellow colleagues while further intriguing them about you.
Reframe your party spirit
Attending business networking gatherings and parties are often nightmares to introverts. The thoughts of having to see many people in a place at the same time, meeting new faces and being drawn to compulsory talks could be tormenting. However, this default spirit towards parties can be reframed to your own advantage. Rather than having to speak with lots of persons at the event, set a target of having a long purposeful conversation with just one or two persons. This could help you build a long-lasting relationship that might eventually be beneficial when established.
Introverts are not the only set of employees with thriving challenges. A lot of factors can deter employee’s chances of succeeding in a workplace. However, introverts are arguably more successful in careers for introverts regardless of their organization’s inclusiveness. Thriving as an introvert requires you to enjoy the inner energy and to be proud of your nature as an important aspect of your job.
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