What do you do if you're an introverted professional struggling to be assertive in your career?

Start by understanding and accepting your introverted nature, recognizing that it doesn't diminish your value or potential. Practice self-awareness to identify situations where assertiveness is needed and develop strategies to assert yourself effectively, such as preparing in advance, using assertive language, and setting boundaries. Gradually step out of your comfort zone by taking small actions to assert yourself, such as speaking up in meetings or volunteering for leadership opportunities. Seek support from mentors, colleagues, or professional development resources to gain feedback and guidance on assertiveness techniques. Finally, assertiveness is a skill that can be learned and cultivated over time with practice and persistence.

Know that assertiveness doesn't mean being loud or domineering, so introverts can be assertive through well-articulated points, clear communication, and confident body language. For instance, during a brainstorming session, instead of blurting out an idea, take a moment to gather your thoughts, then confidently share your well-crafted suggestion. Introverts often excel at listening, deep thinking, and written communication. You can use these strengths to your advantage. You can volunteer to take detailed meeting minutes or write up a concise report summarizing key discussion points.

Being an introvert is not the poor cousin of being an extrovert, and we need to stop portraying it as a negative that needs to be overcome. Being an extrovert might give you more confidence, but it doesn't mean that only extroverts can be assertive or confident. Identify what makes you, you and how you use this to stand out from the crowd. Leaders can be introverts too.

when developing abilities that goes against your personality, it is possible that you end up fighting with yourself. A possible solution is offered by Core Quadrant model (D. Offmann): 1. embrace your characteristics and be proud of them because they define who you are today. 2. ask for feedback to find pittfals and what difficulties others have when interacting with you (eg it's difficult to be approached, you seem critical, etc.). 3. pay attention to the needs of those around you and what they are asking you to change in your behavior. 4. use the new skill to accompany your native qualities, not to replace them. Also accept that doing what others need and not comes naturally to you, will cause you discomfort.

Usually we do not see being introvert as a talent but rather an obstacle. I haven't seen much of the articles teaching extroverts to be more an introvert person. Is it really like that? I would say it's your uniqueness being an introvert. You are rather an observant type and you see much more than other people. Don't learn to be different than you are!! Learn to use your own strengths: 1. Use your observant type to make notes, you would be best to find the connections between things being the type- first think then act. 2. You are usually the great listener, we truly need such people to move forward. 3. You do not normally need people to give you the strength- your strength is inner driven. Own it and take all the credit of it!

To enhance your boundary-setting, practice saying no when requests conflict with your priorities. This might feel uncomfortable at first, but it's crucial for protecting your time and energy. Additionally, utilize digital tools like email autoresponders or calendar blocks to visually signify when you are unavailable. This helps reinforce your boundaries without needing constant verbal reminders. Remember, setting boundaries not only benefits you but also sets a clear expectation for others about how you work best, contributing to a more respectful and productive work environment.

I know lots of introverts, and they have no more trouble setting boundaries as extroverts do - it's about how you communicate and influence. Earning respect from your colleagues, managers and peers comes from communication - it's ok to ask not to be interrupted or retreat to a quiet space to finish more productive work.

Reflect on your needs, boundaries and clarify to yourself exactly what they are. You might consider journaling them over a period of time so that you can review and fine tune them. Then do some practice around how to professionally communicate your needs verbally. This will allow you to have a "script" at the ready for communicating those needs when the time comes to enforce a boundary.

As an introvert, I was never good at contributing my ideas during brainstorming sessions which happened frequently in my department; After some reflection on why I was always silent during these crucial sessions, I realized I needed time to process and digest what was being said and felt uncomfortable speaking over people to get my ideas heard. I used this insight and rehearsed a conversation I would have with my team at our next brainstorming session asking them if they minded if I followed up with my ideas in email after our meeting once I had some time to reflect. Once I had figured out the issue and had reflected on the language I would use to communicate my needs, the conversation with my team felt easy, and they responded positively.

Before important meetings or presentations, you can thoroughly research the topic and anticipate potential questions. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel asserting your ideas. So, if you're presenting a new marketing strategy to your team, gather relevant data and industry trends to support your recommendations. Then rehearse your talking points or presentations beforehand. You can practice your presentation in front of a trusted colleague or record yourself to identify areas for improvement in your delivery. This allows you to organize your thoughts and practice delivering them with confidence.

Preparation is the success tool for anybody - even more so if you are feeling less confident than a more assertive colleague. It's not that extroverts can think on their feet any better than an introvert - it's an extroverts confidence to voice those thoughts. A business needs to have a mix of people within it to help build collaborative teams, and influential managers who can "control" a room and a meeting. If you are feeling the nerves before a meeting (hey, I'm an extrovert and I get nervous before some meetings too) go the extra mile with your prep - think of questions you may have, any potential contributions you'll make, etc.

Being introverted does not equate to being unassertive. With practice, introverts can stretch their leadership style. After determining the appropriate venues, I coach my clients to consider using a dialogic model when speaking up. The model has four essential skills, all of which are interrelated and equally important. 1) Assert their point-of-view 2) Ask questions for clarity 3) Dissent with respect 4) Summarize for forward movement Every day, my clients?make or influence crucial decisions. Applying each of these skills enhances their understanding and positively impacts the direction and outcomes of these decisions.

Very few people are born natural speakers, even the most extroverted extrovert can find speaking up (or effectively) something they have to prepare for. You can be an introvert and still be assertive, you can be an introvert and still be confident, you can be an introvert and be a natural leader.

Seek out colleagues who appreciate your strengths and communication style, because having a supportive network can boost your confidence and provide a safe space to share ideas. You can also find a mentor who can offer guidance on navigating assertiveness in the workplace while respecting your introverted nature. For example, you can connect with another introverted colleague who might understand your preferred communication style. You can talk to a manager who values your work ethic and analytical skills, and seek their advice on how to advocate for yourself more effectively during performance reviews.

Networking can feel daunting for introverts but it can be done in a natural and authentic way. Think about who you would like to build a better professional relationship with and approach them in a way that feels natural to you. This could be offering to help them with a project, commenting on a piece of work they have done or asking to find out more about their career journey. Often the first contact is the most daunting.

Introverts can thrive too!! Introverts brings a unique strength to the work environment by applying their thoughtful analysis and focused concentrations. But building relationships, a key to career success, can feel daunting, Here's a practical approach: - Focus on quality over quantity: Instead of mass networking events, target small comfort gathering where you can have in-depth conversations. Lunch with a colleague or a virtual coffee chat are perfect example. - Leverage your strengths: Introverts excel at written communications. Take the initiative on project proposals or reports, Showcasing your expertise and building credibility.

Being assertive is made easier when you are armed with data. Get organized. Start tracking your work. Keep a notebook or take notes in your calendar, pick a routine that's easy. Before you start tracking, make a note of: 1. goals and objectives 2. strategies/actions needed to meet goals and objectives 3. deadlines for goals and objectives 4. any external resources needed Then track these: 1. wins, completed tasks of note, achievements 2. areas where things could have gone 3. what you could learn more about 4. what you were praised for 5. what do you see that you want to do more of Get regular meetings with your manager, share your plan ^^, what you think your next career step could be, get buy in, and revised objectives, and keep going!!

Practice self-evaluation. After important interactions, reflect on how you felt and what went well, & identify areas where you could improve your assertiveness. As an example, after a meeting where you hesitated to share an idea, consider what might have made you feel less confident. Did you need more preparation time? Could you practice phrasing your idea differently next time? Further, you need to acknowledge and celebrate your successes, no matter how small, such as after successfully presenting your marketing strategy to the team, take a moment to appreciate your progress in confidently communicating your ideas. This helps build confidence and motivates you to continue developing your assertive communication skills.

I just watched an interview with Actress Rebel Wilson (on the DOAC podcast) and learned that she was extremely shy as a child. What made her change her attitude was self-reflection, journaling and strategy. For introverted professionals, regular reflection is a powerful tool to build assertiveness. Keeping a journal to note when you've been assertive and how it felt can significantly enhance self-awareness and confidence. This method respects your introverted nature while helping you grow and become more effective in your career. It’s all about recognizing small victories and continuously learning from each experience. Good luck, and please follow me for more career and job hunting advice :)

Leverage on your strengths as an introvert! For e.g. Introverts tend to be good at preparation and planning - so take the time to prepare your thoughts/arguments before a meeting. Anticipate potential problems/ challenges and plan your answers. We are also good listeners, so acknowledge viewpoints before assertively sharing our own thoughts /opinions. Smaller group settings also works better for introverts, so identify opportunities perhaps in smaller group settings where you feel most comfortable asserting yourself and sharing your ideas and opinions.

Assertiveness is a skill that can be developed over time. Set small, achievable goals for yourself, like contributing at least one idea in a meeting or reaching out to a new contact each week. Celebrate these victories, no matter how small, and reflect on your progress. Over time, these small steps can lead to significant improvements in your assertiveness, helping you to advocate for yourself and your ideas more confidently. Remember, being introverted is not a barrier to assertiveness - it's simply a trait that shapes how you might approach it differently!

For introverted professionals struggling with assertiveness, reframe it as a learnable skill. Set small goals, build self-confidence through preparation, and seek support from mentors or resources. Remember, assertiveness grows with practice and self-awareness.

What can an introverted professional do to be more assertive? Start by identifying what is preventing you from being more assertive on a specific topic. Far too often people conflate and confuse introversion and a lack of confidence and directness. I have worked with and for many senior level executive who were introverted. While they may not have enjoyed large group settings they were very confident and focused on/ Introverts are especially good 1X1 so focus on engaging this way and confidently communicate your message