In a culture that often celebrates extroversion, you can embrace your strengths to excel at your workplace
The dynamic at your workplace is a key factor in your happiness, productivity, and performance. And usually, you cannot choose your colleagues, because they are chosen by your boss.
As introverts, we need time to get used to people and to a new environment. It takes a few months to get comfortable enough to talk about myself or speak up.
I may be the quiet new colleague for the first few months, but as soon as I’m comfortable, I can show my strengths and my skills.
I want to give you a few tips today on how to get comfortable at your work, with a special focus on communication.
When I first started volunteering at a student organization, I was quiet and overwhelmed by so many new people. The good thing is some tasks were done by 2 people, and this is the number of people I felt comfortable with.
I got used to the environment by talking with people one-on-one, and a few months later I was already the HR coordinator and introducing the organization to new people.
Taking small steps day by day seems insignificant, but by thinking long-term, you can do great things.
Tip 1: Find your communication style
Every person is different.
So communicating what you want to say has to differ for each person.
The first step, as I talked about before, is to get used to your environment and the people.
A skill introverts have is that we are empathic and get everything.
We feel when the other person is uncomfortable. And we recognize when the communication failed.
This is your advantage. By talking to everyone one-on-one at lunch, you will learn how to communicate with them.
Some people need clear points and tasks to do.
Some people need more explanation.
Find the balance between your comfortable level of communication and theirs.
I’m not a big fan of talking, so I tend to write emails or notes. Use your strengths, but also get out of your comfort zone when it’s urgent.
Be aware that not everyone is as empathic as you are. Make sure that your colleagues know how to communicate with you and how you feel comfortable.
What I don’t want is someone talking to me the whole day and asking questions every few minutes. That’s not how you will get things done.
Tell them you need quiet time.
If it’s urgent, they can talk to you, but if it’s not, they should write an email or a note.
The same goes for meetings.
Introverts are not big fans of meetings because there are usually too many people present for us to speak freely.
Communicate with your team that if it doesn’t need to be a meeting, then don’t do one.
Talk about the problem in a smaller group or write an email.
Tip 2: Don’t take part in office politics
Every office is different and it depends on the people working there.
But there are a few points you should know:
- don’t talk bad behind someone’s back
- don’t complain about someone instead of speaking directly to them
- don’t judge for being late or going early
- don’t put someone down in front of your boss
- don’t be disrespectful
- don’t shout
- listen to all opinions respectfully
- don’t be arrogant and think you know it all
Instead of doing the same negative things as everyone else, be yourself instead!
You don’t have to criticize someone to look good in front of your boss. You usually don’t.
Change the mindset of work:
- it’s teamwork
- you are spending most of your time with your colleagues
- your boss is deciding who goes and who steps up
You don’t want to sit in a negative environment every day, right?
And if you don’t like the office politics at work: just don’t participate.
This world is built for extroverts, and the advantage you have is: you know your strengths and are different from others.
Embrace that instead of going to their level of negativity.
Conclusion
“Your voice matters. Your heart, too. Don’t ever let the loudness of another’s opinion silence the fierceness of your spirit”
— Rachel Marie Martin
Your workplace is a big part of your everyday life and important for your happiness.
These tips should help you see the opportunities as an introvert at your work. You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room.
You do it your way by communicating your way and showing your strengths.
Your voice matters, and you don’t have to show it at a meeting. You can show it via email or in one-on-one talks.
You have your strengths. I know the world is built for extroverts, but you also have an important voice, and you just show it differently.
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