Thriving at work as an introvert: You’ve got everything you need

Introverts are often stereotyped as shy, anti-social, awkward, and lacking confidence. But, none of these things are necessarily accurate. There are plenty of awkward extroverts and no end of self-assured introverts. 

What is introversion? 

Introverts:

• replenish their energy by spending time alone
• prefer lower stimulation environments (think quiet, cosy cafes)
• tend to work at a slower, more considered pace
• prefer to listen than talk - they often prefer meaningful conversation with a close friend over chit-chatting with a large group

Quite often, our work environment is at odds with what introverts need to perform at their best. We might need to spend large portions of the day in group discussions, or work in a busy, open-plan office. We might be working to a series of tight deadlines, with little time for reflection.

Despite these challenges, introverts do thrive across the spectrum of professional settings. And there are things you can do as an introvert to make things easier for yourself.

This article is not about learning to be more extrovert. It's not about leaping out of your comfort zone. It’s about working with your introvert strengths, rather than against them. It’s about being successfully you (just as you are).

Prepare for meetings

Lots of introverts struggle to make themselves heard in group meetings or conversations. This isn’t because they lack ideas or confidence. But, in the midst of fast-paced group conversations, introverts can feel that they’ve barely got time to process what’s being said. It's harder still to jump in with your own ideas. It can leave an introvert feeling bamboozled. 

How can you avoid this?

Prepare! This might sound obvious. But it’s common to see other people rocking up to meetings and forming elaborate arguments on the fly. You might wonder why you can’t replicate their maverick approach. 

But here’s the truth: 

• Some people do operate like this (but they’re not you).
• Some people may seem to operate like this (but you don’t see their preparation).

Remember, as an introvert you probably prefer to think before you speak. You probably like to consider your response before you answer. You likely feel more confident when you’ve carefully thought through your argument. These are all strengths!

Before a meeting or an important conversation, think about what you want to say. Prepare yourself some notes with the key points or figures. If nothing else, what would be the one key message you need to communicate? 

Even if - after preparing - you still don’t manage to get your point across, you can follow up afterwards. Once you've had time to reflect and process your ideas, why not pop them in a thoughtful follow-up email? Or reach out to the meeting leader and share your thoughts in a one-to-one call.

Network quietly

Professional connections are important. You need to be at the right tables to have influence. You need colleagues who can support you to achieve your goals. Being connected to others can open up career opportunities. Networking and building relationships are crucial to lots of different types of work.

As an introvert, just hearing the word ‘networking’ might make you sigh with exhaustion! You would probably rather stick pins in your eyes than go schmoozing at a networking event. But, did you know that introverts can be extremely effective networkers? They just do it quietly.

What does quiet networking involve?

You might not jump at the chance to present your work at the team meeting. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make your work visible. Think about who else could benefit from hearing about your work and send them an email. Introduce yourself and your ideas. Make yourself known as someone who adds value by sharing useful resources. 

Maybe follow up with a one-to-one for coffee. Don’t worry too much about small-talk (even though you might dread it). Introverts are also often very good listeners. Ask the questions. Make the other person feel heard. Let them reciprocate with their own questions. 

Charge your battery

Socialising drains an introvert’s battery, even if we are enjoying that social time. To feel and work at our best, we need time to rest and recuperate. We need time to recharge. If we don’t, we feel drained, exhausted, and can quickly burn out. 

How can you recharge in the context of work? 

Don’t be afraid to take a break and go on a walk. Pop your noise cancelling headphones on when you need thinking time. Grab a coffee by yourself for 15 mins. Do what you need to do to find a bit of peace and quiet during the working day. 

But not everyone has that kind of freedom during their work hours. So, what else could you do? 

Remember you only have one social battery. You don’t have a social battery for work and a separate one for outside work. Be kind to yourself and spend your energy wisely. Look at your daily and weekly routine as a whole. How could you adjust your morning or evening routine to replenish your energy levels? You’ll thank yourself when you turn up for work feeling your best. 

Be yourself

The best thing you can do to thrive at work as an introvert is to be yourself. Work with your strengths - you’ve got everything you need. 

Coaching can help you celebrate your personality and identify your unique strengths. Why not give it a go?