You’re an introvert if you prefer: (you can also do a test)
- Think/write vs act/talk
- Being/working alone vs in groups
- Know a few people well vs wide range of friends
- Dislike noisy/busy environments vs. thrive in busy environments
In the Western world, work generally caters to extroverts: favors action over contemplation, charisma is key in job interviews, open space offices, etc.
As an introvert, your 3 possible strategies are embrace, adapt, synergise:
1 – Embrace introversion
Find a job where you can work alone, or a company designed for introverts
Develop a side hustle in line with your ideal lifestyle. Eventually make it full-time
Retire early
2 – Adapt the environment and communicate your preferences:
Introvert preferences:
– Reserved, enjoys solitude and silence, works well alone and independently
– Slow decisions, think before speaking, one to one relationships
Express your needs. Indicate when your boundaries have been overstepped
Manage your energy. Interact when your higher-extroverted-energy levels are higher
Recharge. After interacting with others, take some time alone in quiet reflection (e.g. go outside)
Don’t force yourself into small talk, lunch with colleagues, or office parties. You’re not being rude, you’re preserving yourself
Own your space. Get rid of clutter, choose a light and ambience to make your work space as relaxing as possible
Prioritize non-real time communication: email and wiki/boards instead of meetings and chat (chat should be non-real time, but most of the times the expectation is different)
If you have to go to meetings, ask for agenda and write down your ideas in advance, or ask for the option to email your preferences post-meeting
Mentor junior members. Teaching is the best way to learn, and 1-on-1 relationships are rewarding
Create meaningful 1-on-1 relationships with people in positions of power (e.g. through women’s network, etc)
Work alone or in small groups
Becoming the expert in a key area is your best bet to become indispensable and trusted
Reframe self-promotion. For a good career, get comfortable with telling stories of your successes, even it it feels awkward
The negatives: introverts can appear distant, cold and disengaged. They might become isolated and have difficulty delegating. They might be working with assumptions that haven’t been tested in the real world. Make sure you’re aware of these perceptions, and work on them.
Be careful when communicating your preferences, particularly for working alone, in many places getting a reputation for “not being a team player” is the death of any career aspirations. “Working in small teams” might be a decent compromise. Check who is getting promoted, if they are all extroverts, adapt or change jobs.
On confronting extroverted bosses/colleagues: If the interaction is likely to be repeated, the earlier you confront it in your relationship, the less uncomfortable it will be
Remember: most extroverted people are not consciously trying to take over your space, and behaving as though that’s the case won’t help either of you
No two introverts are the same across all these dimensions. Don’t make assumptions on how to work with introverts, just ask them, even if you are introverted
Be cautious not to hurt their sentiments or get personal about them, as an impression formed about someone remains unchanged for years (works in both directions)
3 – Work with/manage extroverts – synergise!
Extrovert preferences:
– Outgoing, enthusiastic, enjoys working in a team and open work settings
– Quick decisions, thinks out of the box, positive attitude, good at maintaining social networks
Go for win/win..
Accept their need to express themselves out loud – reserve time for extroverts to share their ideas and brainstorm
Take time to give feedback, recognition and attention, extroverts gain their energy from external stimuli
Set clear goals and expectations – it’s easy for extroverts to get sidetracked or distracted with their many big ideas and affliction for sidebar socializing
Be sure to highlight important dates or details and set realistic and achievable goals
Extroverts may become bored, frustrated, and drained if left alone to work on projects
Delegate efficiently – a project including public speaking and social interaction may energize extroverts but be an introvert’s worst nightmare
Value their energy and positive momentum by offering them the opportunity to lead certain meetings, team building sessions or gatherings
Make them aware of their working style
Be firm with boundaries – make room for everyone to share and contribute, not just extroverts
.. But be willing to compromise
Respect your extroverted colleagues’ need for independence and to “jump in”. As painful as it may be for you, allow them to talk things out. Nod your head as they speak to indicate you’re hearing what they’re saying as you use their talking time to process and formulate a response. Don’t be afraid to let them know if you need a few minutes to respond
Accept discomfort. Communicating your needs to someone might make you uncomfortable, and that’s okay
Suggest an alternative way for the interaction to go down, and make a decision together. Most people are flexible, and they might actually like your idea better. In fact, that might be why they’re interacting with you in the first place – they like you, and they like how you do things
If you’re in a meeting know that it’s okay if you’re not the first one to speak
If meeting new people makes you feel uncomfortable, start with setting small goals for yourself. Make an effort to introduce yourself. The first few times may require an extra push, but slowly you’ll gain more courage and feel more comfortable striking up conversations
Don’t live in your head: tap into the wisdom of the crowds with surveys
Practice public speaking. Read books on influencing people. They are all worth it
If you like this, you’ll probably like: INTJ, books, personality tests, Quiet
Leo :) 