If you’ve been reading this blog for a long time, you might recognize the name Nancy Ancowitz. Nancy is a Business Communication Coach who specializes in helping introverts excel through one-on-one coaching, presentations and workshops, and her blog, Self-Promotion for Introverts®.
Nancy has recently written a 13-page manifesto in which she dispels many of the myths and stereotypes around introversion and offers 10 strategies to help introverts succeed in a job search, which can be applied to other situations as well. She does a wonderful job of explaining what introversion is – and what it is not – making it a valuable resource for extraverts as well as introverts. You are welcome to download a copy of Self-Promotion for Introverts®: Get Heard More. Even If You Talk Less.
She has sent me a copy of her new book, Self-Promotion for Introverts®: The Quiet Guide to Getting Ahead, which I’m looking forward to reading, so be sure to subscribe to this blog so you don’t miss my upcoming review.
In a recent article in the New York Times, Success Isn’t Only for the Extroverts, Nancy described the dramatic changes that took place in her career after realizing she is an introvert and learning how to make the most of her strengths, instead of trying to be something she is not. It really is inspiring, and I encourage you to read it, especially if you face similar challenges.
Nancy Ancowitz is just one of thousands of successful introverts! If you feel that your introversion is standing in the way of your success, check out her resources and learn how introversion can actually be an asset.
That headline is not good. It can be misunderstood to imply that introverts have an extra hard time achieving success.
Stop victimizing yourself!
Niels, I’m sorry you took it way; that was not my intent!
I do not consider myself a victim at all; I have come to understand how much I have to offer because of (not despite of) my introversion. Unfortunately, there are many introverts who do struggle because they feel that being an introvert puts them at a disadvantage; those are the people I am reaching out to here.
I agree with Niels Brinch’s comment. When I first saw the headline, my thought was that I did not know that being an introvert was considered in any way to be a handicap, or any other type of “negative,” and I was quite surprised at this implication. I’ve known I’m a strong introvert for most of my life, and I’ve always thought of it as just the way I am, like I have blue eyes and some others have brown eyes.
On a positive note, this blog puts into words all of the things I’ve thought about and believed about myself and others, but was never able to verbalize. I’m very glad that I’ve found this blog, and I look forward to reading more of it. Thank you for taking the time and effort to create this blog.
Suzanna, you are very lucky! Although introversion doesn’t have to be a hindrance to success, for some introverts, self-promotion is such a challenge that it can very hard for them to get ahead in business or their career.
I know what you mean. However, it is also hard for some extroverts to get ahead in business or their career.
I think your degree of introversion is one small factor among many in this regard.
Niels, please don’t be offended, but you have an annoying habit of taking a single statement and twisting things around as though that statement represented my entire view of the world.
Of course, extraverts can also face career barriers! For example, as a former employment counsellor I had to advise certain clients to be careful to only answer what was asked in a job interview. However, this blog is called Introvert Retreat and is intended to look at various aspects of introversion.
Some of those aspects include certain problems with which some introverts may struggle. That is not to say that all introverts have those problems, that all introverts have problems, or that all problems are due to introversion.
You are most welcome to share your thoughts here, but it would be appreciated if you had more to say than to imply that what I’m saying isn’t complete.
It is not realistic to expect every blog post to include a comprehensive description of every advantage and every disadvantage faced by every introvert and every extravert. If that’s what you’re looking for, go buy a book.
I appreciate your post. I teach personality type and one of the things I notice is that some people have a difficult time “choosing Introvert” in my trainings. Introvert has been given a “bad rap” and a lot of people feel there must be something the matter with you if you’re an Introvert.
I’m an Introvert and it hasn’t stopped me from being successful, conducting trainings, playing the piano to large audiences, and singing in front of large audiences.
Knowing and understanding that I focus my Energy as an Introvert has helped me immeasurably, however. I make sure that I take time out to “recharge” my batteries by spending time alone when I’ve done a log of “Extraverting.”
By knowing just this one thing about my type, I have eliminated the tension headaches I used to get that kept me in bed for several days at a time and no pain medication would deter. In fact, I haven’t been sick in years with a cold, etc.
Understanding what the Energy behavior dimension is all about and the E/I preferences is very valuable information.
Pam, thanks for sharing your insight as both an introvert and a type professional.