You might think being an introvert is advantageous during a time when we’re all staying at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Nevertheless, being indoors 24/7 and working remotely can be challenging for everyone. The introvert guide below shares advice on how to thrive at work these days, especially if you are an introvert.
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With everything going on in the world nowadays, it’s easy to put your career goals and self-improvement on the backburner. After all, many people are struggling just to get by. If you’re an introvert, you might find it more difficult to speak up, stand out, and shine as a remote employee.
Working on personal growth and professional development can be exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be. Although adjusting to the new normal of remote work isn’t easy, it’s feasible. In a corporate world full of strong personalities, introverts are just as capable of asserting themselves and succeeding in their careers.
In Web meetings, virtual team lunches, or client calls, introverts don’t necessarily need to be loud or disingenuous to have their voices heard. They simply need to adapt to speaking up more often and asserting themselves. Usually, this means having a clear agenda and agreeing on a system of sharing ideas ahead of time when they’re going into a big group meeting. It might seem obvious, but impromptu, unstructured meetings happen frequently and can be stressful for introverts.
It’s better for introverts if they can guarantee that there’s a designated time when they can speak their mind. Otherwise, they might run the risk of being overshadowed or not seeming proactive when there isn’t structure to a meeting or a phone call. After all, one of the obstacles introverts face is overthinking. Over analyzing and not communicating clearly can become problematic. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways not to feel flustered the next time you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation requiring self-promotion, which are mentioned in the visual at the end of this post.
“As an Introvert, Coronavirus Is a Perfect Excuse for My Social Distancing.” – Quote: Unknown
Additionally, an introvert’s approach to client relationships is different from their extroverted counterparts. Most introverts are praised for their keen attention to detail, impressive listening skills, and ability to calmly, efficiently problem solve. However, there are some things introverts might struggle with when it comes to client communication. Of course, everyone should practice before giving a pitch or presentation, but introverts might need to carve out even more time to prepare. The more you practice articulating yourself, the more it will feel like second nature at the moment.
Ensuring that you have the most recent, updated agenda in advance is critical.
Reflect on each bullet point and jot down notes that you can bring to the meeting. Also, list possible issues that could arise and think about how you would handle them. You want to avoid putting yourself in a position where you’ll need to improvise. Introverts have many strengths, but they aren’t as comfortable coming up with a last-minute solution and explaining it on the fly as their extroverted colleagues might be.
It’s the attention to detail and the ability to empathize with your clients that will help introverts build strong client relationships. Be sure to jot down key points you don’t want to forget so you can fully demonstrate your thoughtful, detail-oriented nature. An introvert’s self-awareness is admirable, but sometimes it can cause an individual to overthink. For example, even if an introverted individual knows what they deserve to earn, expressing it and responding to on-the-spot questions may be difficult, whereas it would be easier for extroverts.
When it comes to more formal digital presentations, practicing your presentation in front of someone you trust first is imperative. You can even rehearse in front of the mirror.
Also, be sure you practice how to set up everything digitally and loop in the right people in advance. Avoid any last-minute snafus or technical difficulties so it’s one less thing for you to worry about.
Remember, your personality type does not determine whether or not you have a competitive advantage. Introversion can still support a highly successful personal and professional life. You don’t have to be the most outgoing person to win over your peers and senior leaders. If you have a more reserved nature, your introverted tendencies don’t need to hinder you as you seek a promotion or start the job search.
No matter your personality, leveling up in your career takes time. Thankfully, companies across industries are building cultures that value introverts’ style of social interaction and collaboration. Be patient with yourself and don’t feel like you need to completely alter your natural temperament. Whether you’re managing clients remotely, or asserting yourself in a Web meeting, you can use your strengths to prove you’re an asset to your company. Both introverts and extroverts can excel at their jobs by following the tips in this great graphic “The Introvert Guide To Thriving at Work” below from LiveCareer.
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