How can introverts build strong relationships with their managers?

Behavioural profiling is a valuable way to understand your preferences better. We have both introverted and extraverted preferences within us however, just like writing with our left or right hand, one preference feels more comfortable to use than the other. Profiling will enable you to understand your preference, and your needs in terms of interaction, communication, your strengths and much much more.

Communicating your preferences is super key. If you are less comfortable with verbal communication, consider sending an email or DM to your manager ahead of a 1:1 meeting. You can list the key topics on your mind and get the conversation going with ease.

I feel that its important to be upfront and honest with your communication style. Set aside a short meeting between 1:1 with your manager to go over what works best for each other and develop a strategy on how it aligns with each of your style.

Introverts can build strong relationships with managers by leveraging their strengths, such as active listening and thoughtful reflection. Schedule one-on-one meetings to express ideas, showcase achievements through written updates, and find comfortable avenues for communication. Consistent, meaningful interactions contribute to a positive and mutually respectful relationship.By the way, consider that oftentimes introverts are just hesitant extroverts :)

Creating a personal operating manual that outlines your preferences and quirks and sharing it with your manager is a powerful way to start a new working relationship. Julie Zhou's user guide template is a great place to start: - How I view success - How I communicate - Things I do that may annoy you - What gains and loses my trust - My strengths - My growth areas - What I expect from people I manage - How I like to give and receive feedback

Regular short and quick check-ins could be key to keeping the lines of communication open. It can be something as simple as asking how your manager feels you are performing right now, what you are working on, and where you need help or improvement.

This one is can be tough! As an introvert; I don't always have the energy to participate in all of the team activities. I make sure that if my skill set is needed and that I know I can provide or receive value then I'll jump right in and be a part of it as much as I can. I find that if I can either lead the activity or carve out an area in a team activity that I can perform on my own then bring the results back to be more inline with how I operate.

Remember that large team events aren't the only way to get to know your co-workers. As an introvert, you're likely more energized by 1-on-1 or small group activities than large group events so look for more energizing ways to connect, be that through individual coffees or grabbing lunch with a few coworkers.

Seeking feedback takes practice, it can be uncomfortable and clumsy at first. But getting the reps in is important. With practice you will find that people arent great at providing feedback. They will say things like "keep doing what youre doing" or "I like when you..." So being precise about the feedback you are seeking will prompt your manager to provide you actionable feedback. Here are a few examples of questions that have given me super actionable feedback: - What makes you trust me? - What are the things you see me as the go to person for? - What do you think about my communication style? The ultimate key to receiving great feedback is taking action on that feedback and reporting on what you learned by doing so.

Seeking feedback and advice is imperative for both personal and professional growth. Getting constructive feedback can be brutal at times; especially early on in your career. I find that when I sit with the feedback and practice self reflection I can use that information to determine if the feedback is helpful and needed taking any action to improve

Leverage your observations as an introvert. Listening more than you talk creates a huge space to learn and see past the “mouth noise” people make just to be heard. Often times managers get polished and perfumed versions of the truth. The fact that you’ve been quiet and observant sets you up to deliver less than awesome news in a digestible manner. This will make you make you a trusted resource and expand your influence.

Many introverts feel uncomfortable speaking up during meetings or interrupting others to make their point. If you're on a virtual call, sharing your insights and ideas in the chat is a great way to still have your voice be heard.

Share your personality profile, find out what the rest of your team's 'types' are, and understand how to get the best out of them and teach them how to get the best out of you. It will pay dividends