The Introvert’s Guide to the Workplace

While they may not say it themselves, introverts have a lot to shout about. According to Forbes, introverts take considered risks, are self-starters, and don’t look for approval – all of which make them valuable employees. If you’re an introvert struggling to shine in a workplace full of extroverts, we have some helpful tips for you.

Not all introverts have social anxiety or fear socializing. Research shows that they do like to socialize, just in a different way. For instance, many introverts find the typical style of socializing draining. For this reason, they tend to find low-key activities like solo shopping trips or talking with a close friend.

Ask yourself how your introversion can work for you and develop ways of networking that you’re comfortable with. For example, find a small group of workmates that share your interests and be open to sharing your ideas with them.

As an introvert, you’ve got many desirable skills. You may not be the loudest person in the room, but you are better at listening to others – which can be valuable in the workplace. Introverts also have better observation skills, make quality friends, and think before they speak. These are all useful qualities that you can put to good use. So, instead of focusing on what you feel you lack, use these abilities to help you stand out from your colleagues.

As an introvert, you may be less keen to put yourselves out there, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of taking the lead. While you may not think so, being an introvert can make you a better leader. This is partly because introverts tend to listen to others and ask more questions.

If you want further proof that you could make a good leader, then you can take a look at some of the more recent studies out there. Various studies show that in some situations, your introverted personality can make you a better leader thanks to motivation, meaningful connections, keen focus, and thorough problem-solving skills.

Although you may find it challenging to put yourself out there, putting your name forward for leadership positions is a brilliant way to gain respect from workmates. It can also get you noticed at work.

If you don’t want to speak out to friends and colleagues, why not use email? If you find it difficult to get your voice heard among your more extroverted workmates, email is a great way to stand out without directly standing up.

Through email, you can be clear on your ideas, be less formal, and even share a joke or two. There are other advantages, too. Try some of these tips to get your point across:

• Copy in any relevant team members, so they know your thoughts.
• Use a bit of back-and-forth chat. This can act as the ice breaker you need to get to know your workmates better and start making a wider group of friends.

Email also allows you to take your time and think your message through before sending it. Take time to collect your thoughts and assert your confidence – with email, there’s no need to push through the anxiety of a face-to-face confrontation.

As an introvert, it’s understandable if you are struggling to work on group projects – it’s often hard to get your voice heard among other people, especially if they are used to dominating the conversation. The answer here may be to work on independent projects or ask your employer to integrate individual projects into the collaborative whole.

Similar to introverted children in a classroom, individual projects give introverts the chance to hone in on their skills and work at their best – all while making them comfortable to do so. Working on your own can also address concerns about being overshadowed when you work in a group.

Ask your supervisor if any new projects are coming up. If there is a suitable project that suits your skills, put your name forward, but if collaborative group projects are the only prospects in the future, ask what you can personally contribute by yourself, on your own time.

When you’re an introvert, it’s often difficult to take credit when it’s due. Your personality type may be that you don’t like to be the center of attention. However, if you if one of your ideas was key to the success of a project, there isn’t anything wrong with saying so. If you don’t have the confidence to do that in front of your team, remind your boss of the part you played when the chance arises.

Reminding people of your contributions isn’t boastful. If you did a great job, give yourself credit for it. The more you do this, the more likely you are to realize the contributions you make. Over time, this can build more confidence, which may lead to more opportunities.

Networking isn’t an obvious step when you’re an introvert. As explained earlier in the article, introverts find socializing draining, and it’s not always the fear of the social situations themselves.

However, if you want to start networking or become a “super-connector” as Forbes calls it, there’s plenty of steps you can take. These include:

• Be yourself. It sounds trite, but it’s better to play to your strengths. If larger groups aren’t for you, find smaller groups to network with.
• Take a different approach. If networking at parties or clubs really isn’t for you, look for other opportunities like a gym visit with a colleague or have a coffee at lunchtime.
• Set goals. Decide how many people you want to connect within a specified time frame. If you don’t want to approach potential contacts yourself, ask a mutual friend or colleague for an introduction.
• Outsource. If pitching doesn’t work for you, find companies and matchmakers that can introduce you to business contacts.

If you decide to go to your first networking meeting, remember it’s likely to be nerve-wracking. Instead of letting these feelings overwhelm you or keep you from networking, practice some general questions and icebreakers beforehand. Once you’re at the networking group, find one or two people you feel you can engage with.

Also, be sure to search for familiar faces, have confidence in your ideas, and most importantly, believe in yourself. Your first time may not go smoothly, but once you’ve networked a few times, it will get easier.

You probably already have a group of workmates and colleagues that you’re confident enough to share your ideas and brainstorm with. Surrounding yourself with workmates that you’re comfortable with is a great start; however, if you want to grow your group of work friends, here are some tips:

• Observe. Watch conversations and decide which colleagues you’d like to get to know better.
• Start small. Ask for recommendations for a cafe, a club, or a film. It may spark up a conversation and be that start of a new friendship.
• Join after-work activities. Is there a golf club, running group, or reading group you can join? Ask around about after-work activities so that you can mix with colleagues in a more relaxed atmosphere.

You may not be as vocal, bold, or confident as your extroverted workmates, but you still have the characteristics you need to stand out in your own way. By following the above tips, you can start using your introverted nature to help you shine at work and feel more comfortable.

We all have different personalities, and comparing yourself with your more extroverted workmates isn’t helpful. So instead of thinking about what you not, think about everything you can offer. Find new ways to engage with workmates to boost your confidence and search for opportunities to stand out in your own way.

If all else fails, consider a new opportunity that would make you feel more at home. There are plenty of jobs suited for introverts! Keep in mind that your work environment is crucial to feeling comfortable and confident. Take time to explore different companies and duties for your specific position thoroughly – there is sure to be one perfectly suited to your needs, and Joblist is here to help you find it.