How can introverts excel in their career development?

Looking back, time and time again the “basics” will never fail you. All of the above are of great significance to you as an individual seeking your own path, but “ to me” aligning that pathway or growth is of most value to you as you find that growth within “the needs of the team” or of greatest value to the dept/company vision. Growth is a process that has stages or is most important by how “timely” it occurs (not so much to you) but to those that see what you offer to grow with the team or project goals…that type of growth brings a “dual” value to your development professionally, be patient…Like a conversation, it’s not how much you say, but….the significance of the content that brings value to others.

A simple and effective exercise to help you hone in on the value you provide is to ask 5 people in your professional circle (colleagues, supervisor, boss, mentor, client, etc.) "How do I create value?". Be sure to have them email or text their answers so you have them to easily reference and build off of.

In addition to keeping a record of successes, consider creating a portfolio showcasing your work. Visual representations can be powerful tools for introverts to articulate their contributions. Furthermore, leverage your listening skills during team collaborations; often, introverts excel at synthesizing information and providing thoughtful insights. Collaborate with mentors who not only appreciate your strengths but also understand the nuances of introverted leadership.

Networking “strategically” has been the catalyst to all success that I have experienced professionally…the business relationships I have had privilege to be associated with have proven to be the very source of any success I have experienced. No one does this alone, it simply does not work that way. Be humble, appreciate those that are willing to be there for you “at a moments notice” and let them know you are them as well. Appreciation comes in many forms, your individual sacrifices for the team or your network can be seen as one of the most valuable forms of appreciation you can give.

Introverts often excel in one-on-one interactions, making them adept at mentorship. Seek a mentor-mentee dynamic that aligns with your communication preferences. Virtual networking or written communication can also be effective, allowing introverts to express themselves thoughtfully. Focus not only on networking events but also on online communities where you can engage in meaningful discussions aligned with your professional interests.

Utilize any and all effective mediums to share team goals/accomplishments but understand there is a fine line with sharing and “the intent and method of delivery” with those messages are not to be seen as secondary to the content of the message itself. Your “work” will speak to your abilities as a servant leader more than you will ever know if you let it…

There's a lot of advice here, but mine is to be very intentional with why, how and to whom you showcase your work. As yourself: - What do I want to accomplish from self-promotion? A promotion? Consideration for projects? Recognition as a thought leader? - Who is involved in that decision (who to target)? Are the internal or external? What role(s) do they have? - Where or how can I showcase my accomplishments for them? Blogs, podcasts etc are fine if you're trying to become an industry expert, but rather useless if you're trying to convince an internal group of managers that you're ready for promotion. And rather than "stories and insights", I strongly suggest the STAR format. Focus on your actions and results.

Agreed, not much to contribute here, in my “practice experience” I found myself more comfortable with how I a more pronounced “cadence” with the content. Almost a mental metronome that gave me pattern of timing within the content. Of course in earlier opportunities this was somewhat “mechanical-like” until I gained confidence and grew to be a better speaker.

Recognize the power of written communication. As an introvert, your thoughtful and well-crafted messages can leave a lasting impression. Additionally, consider incorporating technology tools for asynchronous communication. Virtual meetings and collaborative platforms can provide a comfortable space for introverts to express their ideas. Embrace your communication style, emphasizing the strength of concise and impactful messages. In the competitive Google interview process, I, an introvert, faced technically experienced candidates. Elevating my communication skills became my secret weapon, allowing me to articulate ideas effectively. Embracing this strength set me apart, securing the contract against tough competition.

Acknowledge that career growth doesn’t always align with extroverted characteristics. Value your reflective nature and use it to your advantage in decision-making. Embrace a growth mindset not only in skill development but also in understanding the unique strengths introversion brings. Celebrate not only the visible wins but also the incremental progress made in your professional journey. Recognize that every step, regardless of its size, contributes to your ongoing success.

SMART goal formatting is always a great default to use when building that solid foundation (confidence). It has been my experience that in my professional life, there has always been “much” more to gain from a loss or failed attempt than any win. The application of that insight is invaluable.

One valuable lesson I've gained from my corporate journey is the importance of capitalizing on my strengths. Being an introvert, I've come to realize that my knack for observing small details in my surroundings has been instrumental in my creative problem-solving abilities and my ability to provide unique insights to my peers. Additionally, I've discovered my comfort in speaking on stage rather than engaging in one-on-one conversations. This realization has motivated me to pursue opportunities to teach and present, and these activities can significantly contribute to personal and professional development.

This might appear to be unusual but I attribute much of my success and growth as an orator was actually crafted while I worked as a Unit Manager in a medium security correctional facility (oddest of places). I had inmates on my caseload that participated in weekly Toast Master classes and there were moments when I was asked to participate. While being an example to those working to one day become productive citizens again, I actually learned from the styles, strengths/weaknesses of the class. I think the lesson here is that sometimes life can place you in unusual or even unexpected situations where “if” you look for the life-lessons that can be acquired in those circumstances, you just never know what you can gain there…

Si eres introvertido puedes destacar en tu carrera teniendo presente estas acciones (Principalmente hacia tu manager): 1. Haz que la gente te rodea se sienta importante: - Siempre haz Contacto visual - Escucha con interés puntos de vista - Recuerda interacciones previas 2. Lenguaje corporal accesible: Sonríe, te ayudará a conectar de manera personal 3. Comunicar resultados: - Comparte estatus de tu trabajo, date crédito y sé específico en lo que realizaste - Comparte los riesgos o bloqueos (si hay alguno) - Da visibilidad si hay algo pendiente que atenderás 4. Sí el punto 3 te cuesta trabajo, implementa una práctica de enviar los Viernes un resumen con el mismo detalle del punto anterior El Volante de tu carrera está en tus manos!