Embracing the Power of Introverts in Meetings and Careers

For introverts, living and working in a society that so often prizes behaviors associated with extroversion—such as assertive, forceful, and quick-witted—can sometimes mean that their unique strengths are overlooked. Here are some suggestions for introverted professionals to showcase their strengths and prove to be highly effective meeting managers and successful professionals.

1. Prepare in Advance

One of the best ways of guaranteeing success for the introverted personality in meetings is to do some pre-preparation. A discussion prepared for will benefit from a discussion that hasn’t. When you have to prepare in advance, you’re more likely to bring some considered insight to the table. When you are prepared, you’ll be able to say things that are ‘worth it’.

2. Leverage Listening Skills

A great listener will become an invaluable asset to any work team. Introverts are often expert listeners. This is a talent that translates readily into the workplace. By paying close attention to others’ words, you can get a better handle on differing perspectives, and respond appropriately. As a listener, you’ll become an invaluable asset to any work team that needs a perspective that can see and respond evenly to discussions.

3. Set Clear Boundaries

There’s nothing wrong with being an introvert – it’s important to make sure you have time to process and recharge your batteries. To establish a healthy work-life rhythm, it’s important to make sure that everybody knows when you are available to meet or discuss something important. Ultimately, it’s about self-care – making sure that you’re constantly bringing your A-game to professional encounters.

4. Utilize Written Communication

If words are another means of speech that you struggle with, then written words might be a wonderful medium for getting your two cents in on important matters. After a meeting, a concise and powerful email expressing your thoughts on major issues and proposing suggestions can make your voice heard. Writing and delivering thoughtfully can have more impact than hurried or mumbled words.

5. Find Allies

Try to build relationships with coworkers who admire your communicative style so that you can enlist these same supporters to help amplify your voice around the table, effectively making your own voice stronger. Close allies who recognize how you typically communicate can provide helpful advice that shows them playing a supportive role while also teaching you new communication skills.

Embrace Your Strengths

However, if you are thoughtful and capable of going deep and seeing how a situation can fruitfully unfold, your introvert perspective plays to your advantage. Leverage your strengths and put these strategies to work, and you’ll find that your meetings will go more smoothly and are more likely to position you for career success. In a word, your strengths – your thoughtfulness, your introspection, your attention to listening – are what will make you an outstanding professional. So, as an introvert, leverage your strengths.