Ditch the back seat and claim your space in the C-Suite

Your personality doesn’t have to get in your way to lead?

Most introverted professionals have missed opportunities for hiring and promotion. Some have been overlooked during the interviewing process because of their personality.?

But before that, I’ll let the audience know who an introvert is.?

Qualities of introverts

Numerous studies by scholars show that introverts have the following qualities;

• You prefer being alone
• You feel exhausted after being in a crowd
• You are self-aware
• You prefer to write rather than talk
• You have few friendships, but close with these friends

The list goes on and on.

Did you know that Bill Gates is an introvert? See what he has been able to accomplish. It is not entirely a ''weird'' personality. Even the 16th US President, Abraham Lincoln, was an introvert.?

An introvert myth I would like to bust is that introverts cannot lead. As quiet as you are, you can still be entrusted with a leadership position. Yes, you can lead.

So, how do you ensure that you're not overlooked in positions to lead?

Imagine the HR puts up a post internally to request for applications for a senior role in the organization (which you qualify), they ask for candidates to express their interest for the role by sending their resumes.

As an introvert, you may want to give it a second thought. Questions such as if you can really lead people race through your mind.?

In a competitive work environment, you can be easily overlooked. Look at the people who are considered for promotions, it is always the outspoken ones who speak about their accomplishments. It is okay to self-promote.?Talk about what you've achieved when that chance pops up.

Use your personality to thrive in the workplace

Speak up

As introverts, we have this little bad habit of keeping things in our heads, it can mess you up. Voice your concerns. People really don’t have the ability to read minds. Even in meetings, try and plan in advance before meetings. Have your points written down.?

Guard your energy

Have a self-care routine where you have time with your thoughts. Alone. Come up with a routine and establish when you’re more active. Schedule that time to fit into your day.?

Keep a brag folder

Until recently, I started keeping a brag folder on my computer. Every little win goes in there. Something little as a thank you from a client gets there. It helps me to reassure myself that I am confident in what I'm doing because sometimes you can really doubt your abilities to execute certain things that you know you're good at.?Oh! And introverts can own businesses.

Stop seeing being an introvert as a weakness, instead use it as a strength and use it to your advantage.?

Thank you for coming this far. See you next week.

?