How can you build strong relationships with colleagues when you are introverted?

I got some great advice from CFO, Amy Hood. She told me that when asked a question, she reserves the right to come back to the person with a more thoughtful answer. I've put this to practice in my own life and found it incredibly helpful. Something as simple as, "Here's what I'm thinking right now, about X. Let me think about it a bit more and come back to you if I have other thoughts." This is a simple and useful tactic for those of us, introverts, who appreciate some thinking time.

Building strong relationships with colleagues as an introvert involves starting with small talk, actively listening, finding common ground, engaging in one-on-one interactions, collaborating on projects, attending small group events, showing appreciation, and continuously improving. Focus on genuine connections, take gradual steps, and find a balance that feels comfortable.

Choose wisely when choosing your workplace. Challenges are fun, but for the sake of simplicity, assume that as an introvert you are not going to change an extrovert work environment. Maybe a job as a stock trader, actor or market salesperson is just not something you should pursue. It doesn't matter at all, there are plenty of working environments where your unique qualities come into their own.

Building strong relationships with colleagues as an introvert involves understanding and communicating your preferences. For example, express your preference for one-on-one conversations or smaller group settings, where you can engage more comfortably. Share your communication style, emphasizing thoughtful consideration before contributing to discussions. Additionally, leverage written communication, such as emails or messages, to express ideas in a manner that aligns with your introverted nature. By transparently communicating your preferences, you create an environment where colleagues understand and appreciate your working style, fostering stronger connections.

Understand how you work best. If you're an introvert, it's like knowing you prefer quiet time over constant chatter. Think of it as your superhero power, communicate when you need your introverted cape on. Share it with your colleagues so they know when you're in "silent mode." After all, even Batman needs some Batcave time!

As an introvert, I prioritize quality connections over quantity. I schedule regular 1:1 meetings with colleagues (boss, reports, peers) to build trust, rapport, and understanding. I prefer in-person meetings when possible, as it allows for deeper connections. For remote colleagues, video chats offer a richer experience than simple calls. During these 1:1s, I find colleagues feel comfortable sharing more openly and honestly. Even in group settings, I focus on individual conversations, treating them like the only person in the room. However, genuine curiosity is key. 1:1 time can be meaningless if both parties aren't invested. I strive to be a good listener and ask thoughtful questions so colleagues feel heard and valued.

Much like crafting the perfect playlist where quality beats quantity, the same principle applies to building connections. Instead of diving into countless small talk moments, introverts shine in meaningful one on one discussions, curating a richer and more resonant experience.

Introverted individuals can build strong relationships with colleagues by focusing on quality interactions over quantity. Instead of engaging in numerous small talk sessions, introverts can invest in meaningful one-on-one conversations. For example, taking the time to understand a colleague's professional goals, challenges, and interests can pave the way for a more authentic and supportive connection. By being intentional with their interactions, introverts can build deeper relationships based on genuine understanding and appreciation, fostering a strong and trusting professional network.

Introverts and extroverts differ significantly in how they interact with their surroundings and process information. Introverts tend to be more internally focused, often taking time to reflect and process their thoughts. This introspective nature can sometimes make them appear reserved or quiet in social settings. However, this inward focus allows introverts to delve deep into their thoughts, fostering creativity and critical thinking. Introverts may take their time to engage and express themselves, but their thoughtful and reflective nature often results in profound insights and creative solutions.

Introverted individuals can build strong relationships with colleagues by leveraging their strengths in focused listening and thoughtful collaboration. Instead of large group settings, consider engaging in one-on-one conversations, where introverts often shine. Actively listen to your colleagues' perspectives, providing insightful contributions that demonstrate your thoughtfulness. For instance, during team discussions, choose moments to share well-considered ideas or feedback, showcasing the depth of your insights. By emphasizing the quality of your interactions and contributions, you can foster meaningful connections with colleagues and contribute positively to team dynamics.

Introverts have an innate capability to identify and pick up their team member's latent strengths. This quality helps them to offer opportunity to their team members to showcase their skills aptly thereby improving team's performance at work and increasing job satisfaction. Introverts have good intuition. At times? their gut feeling guides them in practical decision making.

Building strong relationships as an introverted individual involves challenging yourself in small, consistent ways. For instance, initiate one-on-one conversations during breaks or meetings, sharing your thoughts or asking about their interests. Attend team events gradually and engage in discussions, demonstrating active listening. By taking small steps outside your comfort zone, you create opportunities for genuine connections. Remember, it's about quality over quantity, and these incremental efforts foster stronger relationships with colleagues over time.

Stop worrying about being an introvert and focus on your strengths. Make friends with ambiverts, so that mild doses of extroversion rubs you. Join some committee or workshop, so that you interact with different kinds of people, with different perspectives. Social situations can be challenging. It can be overcome by being in small groups or taking breaks to recharge yourself.

Being authentically yourself creates an opportunity for people to be themselves. In addition, authenticity helps to bring down walls and guarded conversations.

Just yesterday, I told my colleague at the very beginning of the meeting that the previous workday included a lot of social engagement and that I hadn't fully bounced back from that exertion of energy. I asked for grace as I did my best to participate in our meeting. His response? "As a fellow introvert, I completely understand." Being transparent about how you can and cannot show up creates opportunities for connection and allows peers to accurately interpret your level of interest and engagement.

As a highly introverted leader myself, I’d say being authentic in addition to being curious are the best ways to develop strong, collaborative working relationships. Authenticity and curiosity combined create a powerful and natural environment to drive a shared sense of inclusion and belonging. When you feel that you belong, you’re more apt to deliver your best work and show up as your highest self, which will set you up on a path towards building strong relationships.

Your three greatest superpowers are being observant, asking questions and being an excellent listener. You are able to not only listen but actually hear better what people mean from the heart than those on the opposite end of the spectrum. You can extend yourself to be that go-to person in a relationship building process.

Building strong relationships with colleagues as an introvert involves being authentic and genuine. Instead of forcing extroverted behaviors, focus on meaningful, one-on-one interactions. Share your thoughts and ideas thoughtfully, and actively listen to others. For example, during team discussions, contribute by offering well-thought-out insights. Authenticity is magnetic; colleagues appreciate sincerity. Over time, this approach fosters trust and strengthens connections, allowing your unique qualities to contribute positively to the team dynamic.

By giving MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) or ICQ Global DISC trainings with teams, it helps all colleagues to understand their similarities and differences which helps improving their relationships and bridging differences in an empathetic as well as humorous way.

One can build positive and productive relationships with colleagues, regardless of their personality type. Remember that building relationships takes time and effort, so be patient and persistent in your efforts to connect with others. Maintain a high level of professionalism in your interactions with colleagues. Be courteous, respectful, and considerate in all your communications and actions. Show empathy and support for your colleagues, especially during challenging times. Be there to listen, offer assistance, and provide encouragement when needed.

Find a mentor or coach within the company who may help you loosen up a bit. Not the most extrovert person(s) in the company, but someone who pays attention to others and who cares about themselves.

Developing meaningful connections as an introvert involves navigating smaller group settings, actively listening to others, embracing digital platforms for communication, discovering common ground and fostering rapport through scheduled one-on-one interactions. Remember, genuine connections are built on quality, not quantity.