Introvert Retreat
celebrating inner life in the outer world
  • Home
  • About Introversion
  • Introversion FAQ
  • Discussion Group

Archive for Introverts at Work

How to Create an Introvert-Friendly Company Culture

by Guest
May 2nd, 2019

introvert friendly team

As introverts, we have a unique set of needs to thrive in the workplace. Also, just because we are introverts doesn’t mean that we can’t be a part of a dynamic team. We just need some balance, and employers who realize that will have better success at creating a diverse environment of employees that includes plenty of introverts.

Unlike extroverts, who thrive in large groups, introverts need a little alone time to recharge and refocus their energy. Socializing and interacting with others can be especially taxing for us. That doesn’t mean that we aren’t interested, or capable. It just means we need a different work environment to be the best that we can be in any professional role. One challenge for today’s employers is creating a workplace that supports varied personalities and working styles. Fortunately, the introverts are here to help! Keep reading to find out how you can make your office a more comfortable environment for everyone.

Create Structure in Day-to-Day Operations

Introverts struggle without structure. There is no need for military-level rigidity, but an office that has a structured workday and plans ahead is going to set everyone up for success. Not only is it unprofessional to take a more “fly by the seat of your pants” approach to running a business, but it can be especially taxing on employees. Offer structure in the work environment with things like:

  • Scheduling done well in advance: this includes work schedules, meetings, deadlines and due dates, and any other time-sensitive tasks or events. Last-minute meetings or schedule changes are extra stressful for introverts, who appreciate a good plan.
  • Structured meetings and activities: rather than an open-format meeting or round table setup, create an agenda for office meetings and other group activities. This gives introverts an idea of what to expect. It also helps you keep meetings and activities on-task and on-schedule, which is good for everyone.
To thrive professionally, introverts need a different work environment than extraverts.Click To Tweet

Offer Multiple Communication Tools

Believe it or not, some introverts love office life. They enjoy the group projects, the camaraderie, and other aspects of working with people. They just can’t always do it as much as extroverts. They also might need to do things in a different way to avoid over-stimulation, which is the primary reason introverts spend less time in group settings or “busy” situations.

When it comes to communication, versatility is a must. Some days, we might be fine to pick up the phone and make a call or speak up in a meeting. Other days, we might need the option of email or messaging, or a one-on-one meeting with our supervisor to discuss our ideas or express our needs. Make sure that your organization offers a variety of approved communication methods for employees, including options like:

  • Email
  • Phone
  • Chat or messenger services like Slack
  • Virtual and physical collaboration sessions
  • Group meetings
  • One-on-one meetings or brainstorming sessions

The goal is to ensure that all employees still feel supported, regardless of their chosen method of communication. As long as the means are appropriate for the topic or task, introverts shouldn’t be made to feel bad for choosing email or chat over stopping by a coworker’s desk to discuss a work project.

introvert friendly meeting

About Those Team-Building and Social Events

Tons of studies have shown the power of team-building activities for an organization. It’s no secret that getting coworkers together outside of the work setting creates a stronger bond that benefits the company. However, for the sake of the introverts, you have to again think about offering options. The best way to find out what works best for your staff? Ask them.

Today’s companies are often fast-paced, fun environments that focus on team bonding and social events outside of work. Some employees don’t have the energy at the end of a long work day to hit the bar or head to the baseball game with the team, and that’s okay. Firstly, make sure none of your employees ever feel bad or are “forced” into work-related social events. Secondly, find ways to create team-building activities and events that are more in line with their interests or offer a more relaxed environment.

Important Reminders:

  • Never make an employee feel guilty or judged for not participating outside of work
  • Never assume that because an employee leaves promptly at the end of their shift that they don’t care about their job. They may just be out of energy for the day.
  • If you don’t know what your employees want from team building and social activities outside of work, ask them.

Respect Introverts’ Need for Space and Privacy

This is really what it all boils down to when dealing with introverts. They just need a little more privacy and space than extroverts, and employers who realize that will capitalize on the potential of these capable employees. An introvert might need a dedicated office space with a door, or might not be as willing to mingle with coworkers throughout the day. Make sure they know that these things are acceptable.

Thanks to technology, catering to introverts by creating a versatile work environment is easier than ever. Studies have shown that the most productive employees are those who feel like they have some control over their work. Discuss options with your employees in an one-on-one setting, including flexible scheduling, occasional remote work, and other workplace privacy options that can provide a distraction-free environment.

The Bottom Line

With as much as 50% of the population considered to be introverts, employers would fare well to create a work environment that caters to these unique individuals. Our contemplative nature, combined with our love of solving puzzles and strategizing, can make us valuable assets to a number of industries and organizations. By optimizing your organization, you can capitalize on these and other strengths with the introverts on your payroll.

Jen McKenzieJen McKenzie is an independent business consultant from New York. She writes extensively on business, education, and human resource topics. When Jennifer is not at her desk working, you can usually find her hiking or taking a road trip with her two dogs. You can reach Jennifer @jenmcknzie

Tweet
Pin
Share
Share
Categories Introverts at Work
Comments (0)

Business Tools for Introverts

by Hazel Thornton
January 2nd, 2019

As I’ve been gradually transitioning my hands-on, in-person organizing business to provide more virtual services, I’ve also been thinking about the business tools I use. Extraverts can, and do, of course, use these tools too, but if you are an introvert trying to make your way in an extraverted world, these might help:

TimeTrade, Acuity (or similar appointment scheduler)

Is there anything worse than the back-and-forth discussion involved in scheduling a mutually-agreeable time to meet with a client? Or with anyone, for anything? Phone tag is the worst! Most introverts hate talking on the phone…unless you’re like me and you don’t mind if it’s a scheduled call. Technology to the rescue! (For more ideas, see 7 Phone Tips for Introverts.)

Skype, FaceTime (or similar video chat app)

I love meaningful, one-on-one, face-to-face interaction. But there are obvious benefits to not having to go anywhere to do it. Eliminating the driving and parking part saves time and money, for starters. It opens up a virtual world full of potential new clients. And, if you are mindful during the call, your conversations will be naturally limited to the pre-arranged block of time. Not all businesses can benefit from this, but many coaching and consulting services can.

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn (and other forms of social media)

It’s social, but not in person, and can be done on your own time. Clothing optional. Yay! (For those who completely avoid networking in person, though, you might be encouraged to give it another try if you read my post Networking for Introverts.)

Freedom, Stay Focused (or other internet blocker)

Wait, didn’t I just say social media was a good thing? In fact, a godsend to introverts? Yes, but it can also be overwhelming. I might be more productive if I spent less time on social media, but I enjoy it and I have other ways of managing my time (scheduling, time blocking, timers, adjusting notification settings, etc.), but you might appreciate such a tool.

Constant Contact, MailChimp (or similar email tool)

Tell them what you have to say all at once, on a regular basis, especially if they aren’t all on social media. They won’t all read your newsletter every time, but it reminds them that you’re still there, and it sure beats telling them one at a time…or making phone calls…

WordPress (or similar blogging tool)

Some business people despair of getting “enough” subscribers for their blog. I don’t think of it that way. I use my blog posts in many ways. I link to them on social media and in my newsletter. I send them to clients to reinforce whatever we have been talking about in their sessions. I send them to new people I meet — who have expressed interest in an issue that it so happens I’ve written about — as a way of establishing that I can help them, without “selling”. Why keep recreating the wheel? If people keep asking about the same thing, and I haven’t yet, I write a blog post about it.

Adobe Spark (or other video creation tool)

We’ve all heard that videos are the future of social media. Videos? For introverts? Ack! I’ll admit to not having thought of this myself as an introvert-specific tool. But think about it. They can be a way of personalizing your business and reaching people without the pressure of being live. You don’t even have to show your face if you’re not quite ready for that; you can start with voice-overs. Unless, of course, you are ready for apps such as Facebook Live.

(Virtual) Introvert Communities

It always helps to have the support of like-minded people. For me that includes Janet Barclay, creator of this Introvert Retreat blog, and Thea Orozco from Introvertology (coaching, blog, Facebook group, podcast).

Which tools might you try?

What other business tools do you think make life easier, particularly for an introvert?

Please share with us in the comments!

Hazel Thornton is a professional organizer and genealogist based in Albuquerque, New Mexico; creator of The Clutter Flow Chart Collection; and author of Go with the Flow! The Clutter-Clearing Tool Kit for an Organized Life. Visit her online at www.org4life.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Tweet
Pin
Share
Share
Categories Introverts at Work
Comments (5)

How Introverts and Extroverts Manage Their Small Businesses

by Guest
November 16th, 2018

Everyone has the predilection to be more introverted or extroverted in life and business. When building a small business, the importance of understanding how you work cannot be overstated. If you are comfortable working as a part of a team and exude charismatic leadership over your employees, you are likely leaning towards extroversion. If you have a more reserved and a demeanor of self-reflection when working as part of a team, you likely associate with introversion.

There is no guarantee that being introverted or extroverted will result in success, but it is nearly a guarantee that each personality type will take a different approach to business. Click To Tweet

Extroverts will most likely weigh networking as a very important tactic for generating business and nurturing relationships.

Extroverts might find it difficult to manage their impulses and focusing for long periods. If you are the extroverted entrepreneurial type, try implementing a productivity practice like the Pomodoro Technique, which prescribes 50 minutes of focused work followed by a 10-minute break. If you are introverted and do not have a problem avoiding impulses and focusing, you are most likely highly self-motivated and reflective. It’s not the internal impulse that can distract you from the work at hand, but actually the outside interruptions you must manage.

To learn more about how introversion and extroversion can impact business, check out this visual from Fundera:

How Introverts and Extroverts differ in owning and operating a small business

Contributed by Drew Page, Siege Media

Tweet
Pin
Share
Share
Categories Introverts at Work
Comments (1)

Tips for Introverts to Thrive at Networking Events

by Guest
January 27th, 2018

handshakeIf the thought of attending networking events make you physically sick to your stomach you will likely find any excuse to avoid them. It’s almost certain you will find yourself attending such a social event as you navigate your professional and personal life. Whether you are introverted or not, lots of people are not comfortable with public speaking but most do not suffer from the introvert’s level of social anxiety.

Approaching networking events tactfully and strategically will certainly garner you valuable experiences and relationships. The first step is to have a premeditated plan requiring research of the venue, subject matter, and guest list. Utilizing LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media platforms it is quite easy to do surface level research about nearly every professional. This research will not only allow you to more easily recall names once introduced, you will also be able to brainstorm possible talking points. Once prepared, the event will be far less stressful and you can focus on your body language, compliments, and location during the event.

After the event comes important but often overlooked step, follow up. If you had any memorable conversations or actionable relationships, make sure you are fresh in their mind. Even introverts can come to master networking events. If you want to become a more effective networker as an introvert, put these tips from GetVoIP into action.

Tips for Introverts to Thrive at Networking Events

Photo by TeroVesalainen / Pixabay

Drew Page

 

Drew is a content marketing specialist focused on creating amazing content for businesses, entrepreneurs and employees to thrive.

Related articles across the web

  • This Is How To Conquer Even The Most Hardcore Networking Anxiety
Tweet
Pin
Share
Share
Categories Business Networking, Introverts at Work
Comments (1)

How to Use Introversion as a Secret Weapon in Your Career

by Guest
October 9th, 2017

How to Use Introversion as a Secret Weapon in Your CareerWhy is it that only extroverts get to enjoy professional success? Extroversion is only one side of the same potentially valuable coin of personal energy utilization, and discouraged introverts are falling to the wayside. Rise up, introverts! Here are some of the most effective ways in which your unique perspective can help you become more professionally successful.

Self-reflection

Being an introvert immediately gives you a greater capacity to reflect on yourself and figure out more valuable things about the way that you fundamentally work as a human being. In your solitude, you can come to a greater understanding about the machinations of your mind and how they can culminate into the kind of habits that are conducive to success.

Productive down-time

The time that you spend on your own doesn’t have to be time that you spend just sitting on your hands and staring at the wall. While you are recharging and alone with your thoughts, you can productively use that time to get things done that you may not have been able to during the bulk of the day. From chores around the house to personal creative projects, indulging your introversion with a little bit of alone time can be great for getting more done.

Better listening skills

Because introversion means that you are less focused on just getting all of your words out into the air, being a good listener will come more naturally to you. While a lot of extroverts are talented at getting people engaged in their interesting stories, people appreciate a person who makes them feel interesting even more. As an introvert, you have an innate power to validate people with the feeling of being around someone who really cares about what they have to say; in many cases, this will make them want to interact with you even more.

Mindfulness

Though many extroverts can have a very energizing aura, one of the downsides of always being “on” as the center of social attention is that it can steal attention away from the little important things. Introversion lends itself to mindfulness, giving you a greater ability to step back and become fully cognizant of the minor elements in your surroundings and your state of mind. Through mindful inward analysis of your environment, you can potentially gain an even greater ability to thrive in it than you would if you tried to actively control it with overwhelming outward energy.

Summary

Nowhere in a set of leadership program requirements will you find extroversion as a prerequisite for career success — only a “drive for upward career mobility” (WGU). Mindfulness, productivity, listening skills, and self-reflection are all powerful tools of the successful introvert. Just as extroverted people can utilize their personality to leverage more connections in their careers, introverted people are just as capable of using their unique disposition to benefit themselves professionally.

Shae Holland
 
Shae Holland
is a single mother and professional copywriter. She’s passionate about healthy living, loves hunting, and adores her ​two springer spaniels.

Related articles across the web

  • 7 Tips to Help Introverts Break the Ice at Networking Events
Tweet
Pin
Share
Share
Categories Introverts at Work
Tags : career
Comments (2)

How to Make the Most of Meetings if You’re an Introvert

by Guest
August 29th, 2017

team meeting

Do you ever struggle to contribute during meetings? Do you wonder how to talk more?

When I first started at my current job several years ago, I had the hardest time chiming in during meetings. While my colleagues were exchanging and evaluating ideas, I sat quietly. I was engaged, and I was listening, but I seldom spoke up for one of two reasons: I either couldn’t think of anything to say during the meeting, or I didn’t know how to jump into a faced-paced conversation.

As a result, I left many meetings wondering what people thought of me and wishing I’d said more. The frustrating thing was that as soon as I’d return to my workspace a flood of ideas and insights related to what was discussed would rush into my mind.

It can be hard to be the introvert in a meeting. You know you have valuable ideas and insights, but the environment makes sharing difficult. Fortunately, there are few hacks that’ll significantly improve your meeting experiences.

Do you want to know how to talk more during a meeting? Find out how to share more of your ideas and insights with your team when you’re all together.

1. Prepare in Advance.

One of the best ways you can improve your meeting experiences is to prepare in advance. It doesn’t have to take a long time either. Five to ten minutes will usually suffice.

Start by getting the meeting agenda. If your supervisor hasn’t given you one, ask for one. Explain that it’ll help you contribute better ideas.

Then, look at the planned topics, and prioritize them from most important to least important. Determine which of the most important topics you could stand to research, gather the information you need on it, and put your thoughts down on paper.

Writing out your thoughts is key. Doing so will help you determine what you want to say and enable you to communicate it clearly. Remember too that your notes are for your eyes only. Don’t worry about writing a polished piece. Bullet points are enough.

2. Assert Yourself.

If you want to find out how to talk more during meetings, watch people who do talk a lot. Whereas introverts feel less comfortable in meetings, extroverts are at home in them. They prefer to bounce their ideas off of other people, and they don’t mind interrupting a colleague to make a point. Furthermore, they don’t stress about having their thoughts together. They just start talking and build from there.

While I don’t suggest you ramble or talk just to talk, I do recommend you take a page out of an extrovert’s book and try sharing ideas before they’re perfect. We introverts tend to want to share only thorough, articulate solutions and insights, so, more often than not, we end up saying nothing at all. Try to break free of this tendency from time to time, and share an idea before it’s fully formed. Let the group help you work it out.

Better yet, wait until you have an idea that is well-formed – one that you’ve prepped using the agenda – and jump into the conversation. Go ahead, and talk overtop of someone else if you need to, especially if this is what other people are doing.

Some people don’t mind being interrupted or cut off. They don’t take it personally. If you listen to what they have to say most of the time and you treat them with respect, you’ll be in an even better position to push your way into a conversation on occasion.

3. Email Your Thoughts.

A difference between introverts and extroverts is that introverts think to talk while extroverts talk to think. Don’t be surprised, then, when you have trouble sharing during a meeting. That environment is not conducive to thinking. If you’re listening – really listening – you’ll won’t have enough space to think and get your ideas together, and few introverts contribute well on the fly.

Even if you’ve prepared in advance, you’ll likely still need to do additional thinking after the meeting. New ideas, questions, problems, and insights will arise when you get together with your colleagues, and you’ll need time to mull them over. When you get back to your desk and you start to reflect, that’s when all of the great ideas will hit you.

Make the most of them. If you want to know how to talk more during meetings, try doing it in writing. Once you’ve had enough time to think, compose a brief email in the quiet of your workspace, and send it to the meeting participants. Writing will not only afford you space to think, it’ll also enable you to share your thoughts more articulately than you probably could have in conversation.

4. Remember: Quantity Doesn’t Equal Quality.

Whether you share during a meeting or send an email after it’s through, remember that you don’t have to say a lot to contribute meaningfully.

One great idea expressed in a single sentence can trump a thousand words.Click To Tweet

Lean into your introverted strength of listening. Take in all your colleagues are saying. Analyze, evaluate, and synthesize. Then, surprise your colleagues with a clever solution or insight.

In Quiet Influence, Jennifer Kahnweiler tells the story of an introvert leader who sat through meetings without saying a word. To anyone who didn’t know the him, he appeared disengaged and detached. His team, however, knew what was really going on; he was tracking the whole time. At the end of meetings, he’d pull together everything that was said, highlight the key points, and make insightful observations. His team always benefited immensely from his thoughts.

When it comes to meetings, you don’t need to know how to talk more. You just need to lean into your introverted strengths and contribute in a way that works for you, while recognizing different isn’t wrong.

How do you make the most of meetings? What would you say to a fellow introvert who’s wondering how to talk more? Add to the conversation in the comments below!

Bo Miller
Bo Miller is an introvert blogger, podcaster, and teacher. He’s also a certified Myers-Briggs practitioner.

You can check out his work at https://ispeakpeople.com.

Related articles across the web

  • 7 Tips to Help Introverts Break the Ice at Networking Events
  • From One Millennial to Another: We can Break the Rules of our Tribe.
  • Your Own Outbuilding: Focus On Your Passions
  • 11 Side Hustles for People Who Hate People
  • How to survive the summer party season: an introvert’s guide
Tweet
Pin
Share
Share
Categories Introverts at Work
Tags : communication, meetings
Comments (2)

A job interview toolkit for introverts

by Guest
January 30th, 2017

If you consider yourself to be an introvert, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that the job interview process is designed to make you fail. An introvert processes their experiences internally: rather than bouncing ideas and responses off the people around you, you probably prefer to quietly contemplate new information by yourself and to respond to it in your own good time. It doesn’t sound ideal when you’re up against an interview panel, does it? Well, good news: being an introvert, you have plenty of other positive traits with which you can balance your approach to the process.

For example, as an introvert you are likely better at connecting with individuals than with groups. Because a panel is usually only a small ‘group’ of two or three people, you can demonstrate your engagement and your personal skills by making a connection with each of them individually, rather than playing to the crowd. You can already see how this may be more impressive than the extrovert approach of treating the panel as a multi-headed monster!

The good people at CashNetUSA have identified a whole toolkit of such approaches to help introverted candidates make the most of their special powers when they’re most needed. Check it out ahead of your next interview, and you’re sure to turn up primed to wow your potential new boss.

Introverts Guide to Job Interviews

About the author: Marilyn Vinch

Marilyn is London-based freelance writer who enjoys writing (and reading!) about the challenges small businesses face, human resources, leadership, personal growth, and working smarter. She is a digital nomad who loves travelling and immersing herself in different cultures. Follow her on Twitter: @mary_vinch

Related articles across the web

  • A CEO who interviews every new hire always starts off with the exact same question
  • 3 Essential Personal Branding Tips For Introverts
  • The Quiet Revolution With Susan Cain – This Week’s Six Pixels Of Separation Podcast
Tweet
Pin
Share
Share
Categories Introverts at Work
Tags : job search
Comments (0)

Alternatives to Bragging for Introverts

by Guest
December 17th, 2016

womanWhether it concerns getting ahead on the job or attracting clients, most people associate marketing oneself with bragging. On the surface, this makes perfect sense. How else could you call attention to your virtues, talents and capabilities than by talking them up in a prideful way?

This seemingly obvious point gets introverts in particular into a mental tangle. We want recognition and rewards. But this appears to require self-promotional behavior that doesn’t fit our reserved personality. Introverts are never the ones who raise our arms and voices around strangers, proclaiming “Look at me!” or “Aren’t I the greatest?”

As a marketing consultant who regularly helps quiet, competent experts explain what they have to offer, let me describe several ways to undo this mental knot. You can help others appreciate your intelligence, deftness, creativity, years of experience or other superior qualities without being obnoxious or self-important. Try some or all of these techniques.

Let others do the talking

When someone who isn’t related to you praises you, it’s highly credible in most cases. And while it may cause you to blush, that’s not bragging. Introverts in business usually can bring themselves to ask for and use testimonials and endorsements. One way to pose the request: “I’m revising my website [or bio], and I wonder if you would write a few sentences about what it’s like to work with me [or about the results you’ve gotten from working with me]. Thanks!”

In conversation, you can take the boastfulness out of anything complementary you might say about yourself by putting it in terms of “People say that I…” Some people I know sidestep bragging by networking in pairs, with each one introducing the other when they meet new people. Claudia enjoys expressing her admiration of Robert in that setting, and vice versa.

Use the third person

In writing, you get some psychological distance from discussing your accomplishments when you talk about “he” or “she” rather than “I.” Many introverts find it easier to compose a strong, persuasive bio if they write as if it’s about someone they know well, not quite themselves.

I don’t recommend using this technique in conversation, however. You’ll seem stuffy, imperial or downright bonkers if you talk about yourself by your name.

Highlight facts and credentials

You may have heard the saying, “If it’s true, saying so isn’t bragging.” Introverts will feel more comfortable sharing items of information that are incontrovertible facts, such as degrees earned, awards won, firsts achieved, years in the field and so on. These contrast with subjective claims like “best at knitting” or “most knowledgeable accountant.”

accomplishment

Show, don’t tell

Sometimes you can keep quiet and let a demonstration do the talking. I will never forget an eight-minute video I watched of a business coach uncovering a lifelong issue a client hadn’t realized about herself and pointing the way toward the client resolving it. “What incredible skill that coach has,” I thought.

Besides videos, demonstrations can take the form of written case studies or articles.

Create a context that is larger than yourself

Frame your achievements as the success of a cause, if that applies, rather than a halo for you as an individual. For example, “For more than 15 years, I’ve worked hard to make sure that children in my community have enough to eat.” Or, “My third novel helped people understand the social, psychological and familial impact of long-term unemployment.”

Be visible

People assume that the one who shows up repeatedly is the one who knows their stuff. If you are the one who answers questions knowledgeably on forums or discussion lists or at company strategy sessions, folks take note. The same principle applies if you lead committees, do media interviews, put together position papers or spearhead a community change project.

Once someone who called me up to hire me as a consultant explained, “I heard about you twice in one day, from different people, so I knew you were the one I needed to work with.”

Change your mindset

Often introverts freak out at the prospect of promoting themselves because they assume it requires them to turn into a gasbag, a loudmouth or an egomaniac. Think of it instead as simply providing information that enables others to make up their minds about you. By following the methods above, you can do this both inoffensively and in a way that enables you to receive your fair share of society’s rewards.

Marcia YudkinSince 2010, veteran marketer and author Marcia Yudkin has focused on advocating for introverts, explaining how to promote oneself without hype, manipulation, name-dropping or braggadocio. She is the author of 6 Steps to Free Publicity, Persuading People to Buy and numerous other books, as well as the ebook, audiobook and online course “Marketing for Introverts.”

Marcia’s No-Hype Marketing Academy: http://courses.yudkin.com/
Twitter: @marciasmantras
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/marciayudkin
Website: http://www.yudkin.com

Related articles across the web

  • Teleseminars promote your expertise and business
  • Quiet power: How introverts can succeed in the brash modern workplace
Tweet
Pin
Share
Share
Categories Introverts at Work
Tags : self-promotion
Comments (1)

Why Introverts Make Great Leaders

by Guest
September 14th, 2016

quiet leadershipThe words “introvert” and “leader” do not often go hand-in-hand. If you were to look at any online personality test or profile, it almost always suggests that the leader position is reserved for the extrovert. However, this assumption is not supported by historical facts or with any real evidence in general.

The truth is that introverts can make excellent leaders in their career of choice. Of course, they have their own obstacles to overcome that are unique to their situation and personality, but overcoming such obstacles actually strengthens their leadership skills. Here are a few of the key reasons why introverts can make such great leaders.

Thought Precedes Action

A leader must constantly make important decisions. Decisions that affect not only themselves, but their followers, team members, and company. Extroverts do think before making decisions, but rarely with the same degree of determination as an introvert.

An introvert feels most at home in solitary thought. Thus, they excel when it comes to the decision-making process. They will take the time needed to consider a decision deeply and all of the possible outcomes of their action. Only after taking the time to think will they take action, which is why their actions often prove beneficial for their team and company.

Leaders That Can Follow

Most people assume that introverts take the position of follower while extroverts take the role of leader. To a small degree, that is true. Introverts almost always have the capacity to be a follower, but that does not mean they should not be in the lead. A great leader must also be a great follower.

Introverts understand the position and mindset of their followers or team members. This allows them to show empathy. This empathy also allows them to step back for a moment and give their team members a chance to lead.

Letting team members lead, allows for new and unique ideas. It also helps strengthen the leadership skills of the team members. After all, some of them may be leaders in the future.

An Introvert Knows How To Listen

A great leader needs to have the ability to listen intently. This means listening to followers, team members, customers, and even leaders that are above them in the company. A leader must be able to take in all of this information and create solutions that appeal to as many people as possible.

Introverts are hardwired to listen more often than speak. They then use everything they have heard during their decision-making process. This leads to results that please multiple parties rather than just one or the other.

Finally, they also have the ability to engage in deep and meaningful conversations thanks to this listening capability. By doing so they are able to identify problems that were not originally on the surface, thus improving the decision-making process significantly.

Introverts are no less capable of being great leaders than extroverts. As a matter of fact, their unique personality traits make them ideal leaders. They are great listeners, empathetic towards their team members and take the time to think carefully before making decisions.

Andrea TaylorAndrea Taylor is the Coaching Support Director at http://www.lifecoachhub.com a site that networks life coaches with individuals looking to make improvements in their own personal and professional lives. The site provides useful information, advice and tips about life coaching, as well as providing a platform where coaches can network, start or continue to develop their own business.

Tweet
Pin
Share
Share
Categories Introverts at Work
Comments (2)

Career Management: Top 10 Networking Conversation Starters for Introverts

by Guest
January 26th, 2016

Among the challenges associated with networking is the simple act of how you start-up a conversation with a stranger. Add to that challenge the fact that you might be slightly introverted where pointless conversations are like staring into the black void. Nothing comes to mind. You don’t have a relationship, no common ground, you aren’t yet even sharing a common experience – so how to you do strike up a conversation?

conversation

Here are 10 conversation starters that have worked for me:

  1. If you are at a party: “How do you know Bob?” This one is great. It acknowledges that you both know the same person and allows them to talk about themselves. From the story you are told, you will have a gold mine of other threads to follow. Asking questions shows interest.
  2. If you are at a professional group: “Are you a member?” If they are, you can ask them about activities the group has had or how long they have been a member. If they aren’t, ask them what brought them to the group meeting.
  3. If there is a speaker: Introduce yourself to them. People tend to ignore the speaker, especially before they speak. Read up on their topic so you can ask them about the topic or their profession. They appreciate getting to know the crowd they are speaking to.
  4. If you’re at any meeting: Find the person in charge and introduce yourself. Be mindful that they may be busy organizing things, so you shouldn’t linger unless they signal otherwise. Make sure you let them know why you are attending their meeting.
  5. If you’ve been to the meeting before, ask to volunteer for a task, like signing people in. Introduce yourself to the people you are coming into contact with- Indicate you’re new and would like to get acquainted. Follow up later by using their name and asking them about their participation.
  6. Anywhere you are, consider saying: “I couldn’t help but notice your (fill in the blank- handbag, coat). I really like that style.” Then introduce yourself and ask them about what you’re both participating in.
  7. Anywhere you are: “Hi, I’m ________. What line of work do you do?” Once they have answered that, good follow-up questions are: How long have you been doing that work? How do you like it?
  8. If you’re at an event where there are booths or similar: Introduce yourself and ask them to tell you about their business or group they are representing. You want to ensure you share information about yourself so they have it for future reference.
  9. If you’re a regular at a place like a gym or church – look for new faces: Introduce yourself and ask them if they are new. If they are new, tell them about your involvement and ask what might interest them. If they aren’t new, but you just never crossed paths, find out what has changed in order for you to now be participating at the same time.
  10. If attending any event and you see someone you know speaking with someone you don’t know: Walk up to them, wait for a break or acknowledgement. Say Hi to your acquaintance and ask them to introduce you to the unknown person or be ready to introduce yourself. A logical next question is to ask about how they got to know each other.

To create a greater sense of comfort when going to any gathering of people, think through the various scenarios you are likely to run into and how best to handle them. You don’t have to “work a room” and try to meet everyone. I pick a goal of meeting 3 people per event and having high quality, fairly in-depth conversations with them. For people who are uncomfortable with these types of situations, narrowing your focus, making a goal and knowing how to get started can turn dread into enjoyment.

Bottomline: I want to help you accelerate your career – to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to 5 Video series The 5 Most Common Ways Introverts Commit Career Self-Sabotage and How to Avoid Them. Unique and practical advice you can start using today. Go here to get them: http://www.introvertwhisperer.com/careergoals

Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill Moran dedicated to help you unleash your professional potential http://www.introvertwhisperer.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dorothy_Tannahill-Moran

Related articles across the web

  • The Best Way to Meet People While Travelling (Even if You’re Shy)
Tweet
Pin
Share
Share
Categories Introverts at Work
Tags : career, networking, party
Comments (0)
Next Page »

Welcome to Introvert Retreat

We explore and celebrate introversion as a healthy personality type, defined by C.G. Jung and later by the Myers Briggs MBTI type indicator. Click on About and FAQ to learn more about this type. See if it fits you or someone you know. Add your comments to our posts, or join us in online or email discussion with other introverts.

Follow the blog

Contributors

  • Janet
  • Chris
  • Hazel
  • Marki
  • Dr. Maggie
  • Guest Bloggers

Categories

  • Books
  • Business Networking
  • Contemplation
  • General
  • Introverts at Work
  • Movies and TV
  • Relationships
  • Sensitivity
  • Social Anxiety & Shyness
  • Type Theory

Policies

  • Disclosure Policy
  • Privacy Policy
Introvert Retreat
Copyright © 2021 All Rights Reserved
iThemes Builder by iThemes
Powered by WordPress