How does an introvert survive at work?

Being an introvert is especially challenging in a work environment. Shyness forces you to avoid being the center of attention and talking in meetings, networking and presenting the success of your team becomes a difficult task.

Even more difficult when introverts are surrounded by extroverts: they enjoy attention and the ability to speak loudly. It may seem to him that he is not noticed and has less chance of being promoted than his colleagues. We will tell you how to avoid this situation.

Pay attention to yourself

When leaders select people for a project, they often start with the first person who comes to mind. How do you make sure your name is on them?

It is good to remember the quality of our work. But this is not always the case. The supervisor should develop strong associations between the employee as a person, his ideas and the quality of work.

Here, extroverts have an advantage: they like to talk in meetings (which makes them more involved) and tend to mention successful projects (which strengthens the association with quality work).

It is much harder for an introvert to start a conversation and build a good relationship with a boss. This may include finding ways to socialize before or after the meeting, arranging meetings to discuss ongoing projects, and asking for help with difficult tasks. The key is to find comfortable ways to interact with the leader to compensate for the lack of interaction at big events.

Get ready for meetings

If meetings cause discomfort, it does not mean you should miss them. Since you are surrounded by extroverts, the meeting will simply end without you and you will take away experience and feedback from colleagues.

Learn to express your opinion freely, even if it contradicts what is generally accepted. This requires preparation. Think about what you are going to say and prepare notes. If you know the program of the event in advance, write down your opinion on each issue.

Once you know what to say, do not delay the next step. Raise your hand or ask to be included in the meeting agenda. The more you dislike public speaking, the more likely you are to doubt it and eventually give up the chance to speak.

During the speech, speak confidently, without hesitation and without apology (“I think that …”, “I do not want to interrupt, but …”). It may be easier, but they will reduce the impact on the listener.

The good news is that the more you talk about meetings, the easier it will be next time.

Focus on the team

As soon as you have subordinates, you start taking responsibility for them and their career advancement. Even if it is uncomfortable to focus on yourself, you will have to draw her to other members of the team.

This is your chance to get attention: the focus will shift to others and as a leader, you will gain recognition for the success of the whole team. By talking about the strengths of your subordinates, you are putting yourself in a favorable light. Therefore, a profitable presentation of group work will help you.

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