Finding Your Voice

Studies indicate that at least a third of us are introverts. Not sure how to spot one? At a party, they’re the wallflowers avoiding the dance floor in favor of a quiet conversation. And at the office, they’re the ones who prefer the calm of their cubicles to mingling over the watercooler.

In a corporate setting, these folks are valuable assets — they can be extra-observant and sometimes more innovative than the extroverts, too. But in a lively pitch meeting, introverts may struggle to be heard, and they aren’t inclined toward self-promotion. They’re great at listening — and not-so-great when it comes time for those dreaded “icebreakers.”?

Unfortunately, an introvert’s instinct to retreat from a crowded conference room could actually stunt their career, writes Dr. Mike Bechtle , a communication expert and the author of The Introvert’s Guide to Success in the Workplace.?

“Introverts often slide into the background —?possibly doing stellar work making huge creative and strategic contributions, but we’re not on anyone’s radar,” Bechtle, a self-professed introvert, writes. “People might recognize us, but we’re not ‘top of mind.’”

Today, we’ve got an excerpt from Bechtle’s forthcoming book that’s a must-read for at least one? in? three of you. And we didn’t forget about the extroverts in this edition in this edition: Lisa Sun , the author of Gravitas, breaks down the common mistakes “people-people” make at the office, and what they can do to make sure they’re putting their best foot forward. Let’s dive in!

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The Quiet Type

For introverts, it’s hard to resist the urge to stay muted and go camera-off in a Zoom meeting, but Bechtle says it’s critical that they make themselves heard. Speaking up may not come naturally to them, but he insists it’s a skill that can be cultivated. In this chapter from his new book , Bechtle provides excellent tips to help the more withdrawn among us stand out, both during in-person and virtual team huddles — and to help them get the recognition they deserve at work the recognition they deserve at work.

Putting on a Show

If you’re on the other end of the personality personality spectrum, meetings may be a breeze. But extroverts might have other tendencies that could sabotage them in the office, Sun warns. (For instance, that whole life-of-the-party vibe can sometimes be mistaken for narcissism, she writes.) In this excerpt from Gravitas , Sun discusses how “performers” — those of us who feel comfortable in the spotlight — can make the most of this unique skill set.

Shifting Strengths

While introverts can excel anywhere, some fields might seem stacked against them. One example is marketing, which can feel like "a world of extroverts," according to Raja Saggi , the senior director of product marketing for Google U.K. But as this industry has evolved, the door to success has been cracked wide open. Now, typically "introverted" qualities, like an analytical love for data, can be even more powerful than a flashy personality. Here's a look at the skills that pack a punch in marketing today .

Finding Your Voice

Looking for a way to give your career a boost? You may want to try grabbing a mic. No, we’re not talking about working out your “tight five” comedy routine: Public speaking is a great way to build your brand and distinguish yourself as an authority in your field. We spoke to Bobbie Carlton , a marketing exec and the founder of Innovation Women, on how you can get started — and eventually take the stage.

Peace Out

Feeling stressed? We asked Everyday Dharma author Suneel Gupta for one relaxation tip. Here’s why he says you should try a “worry break” :

“Counterintuitively, one of the best ways to deal with worry is to actually give it a fixed amount of time. Instead of trying to push out the worry, devote 3 to 5 minutes to focusing on it. You may think it would amplify your thought, but it makes that concern feel heard and turns down the volume enough so that it won’t nag at you throughout the day, which will allow you to be more present.”

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