How to Navigate Introvert Bias and Thrive

Most introverts will, at some point, have experienced introvert bias: being negatively stereotyped, or treated, due to their personality. For some of us this can even be a daily occurrence, especially in the workplace.

Sadly, it’s common for introverts to have their introversion specified as an area for development in performance/ annual reviews - even when it doesn’t relate to their work, or deliverables, in any way and they’re otherwise doing a great job. In meetings, we can be called out for being ‘too quiet’ and we can be labelled ‘weird’ or ‘anti-social’ for wanting to have time alone at lunch, or to not attend after-work drinks.?

Whilst I’m on a mission to raise awareness in this area, and change the workplace bias towards extroversion, the reality is that, currently, introvert bias is very real in most organisations (if you missed it, you can read my newsletter on this topic here).

So what can we do about it?

In addition to talking about this phenomenon, to raise awareness, there are steps that introverts can take to help safeguard themselves from the physical and mental impact of being the recipient of this bias, and even to thrive in the face of adversity.

Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that the above examples are all examples of unconscious bias, and even discrimination: so, whilst it can be hard not to, try to remind yourself of this and not internalise it. It really is them, not you.?

Talking to other introverts can be affirming for this reason.

It's also worth keeping in mind that, globally, there are actually more introverts than extroverts; the 2018 Manual MBTI? for the Global Step I and II Assessments (p. 156) cites people who prefer Introversion as representing 56.8 percent of the global population. It may not feel like it, but you're definitely not alone.

1. Mindset

As with most things in life, working on your mindset is the foundation for all other things. When facing rejection from a job due to being introverted, for example, it would be natural to default to feeling 'not enough' and less confident in ourselves. Practising catching this way of thinking, however, and re-directing it, can be powerful.

I'm a firm believer that rejection is redirection and that if a door closes it's because something better was meant for me, so reminding myself of this is helpful and preserves my self-confidence.

Additionally, reminding yourself that job interviews are as much about you deciding if the role is right for you, as them deciding if you are right for them, can be beneficial - would you really want to work in an environment that was so biased against introversion? You may not have been the right fit for each other.

2. Trilogy of Self

Prioritising yourself is important: self acceptance, compassion and care will help you to not become reliant on external validation and to minimise the impact of being the recipient of negative bias.

I've written about these topics before, but keeping a record of your achievements to refer back to, speaking to yourself in the way you would a friend and setting boundaries to safeguard alone time will all help you to thrive in work and life, regardless of external factors.

3. Communication

Articulating our needs is often something introverts shy away from doing but it can be incredibly powerful. From something as simple as saying, "I'm thinking" in meetings, to speaking to colleagues and managers about how you work best, communicating can help to remove misunderstanding and open dialogue that will enable a more inclusive working environment for all.

Do you have any tips for navigating introvert bias in the workplace? Let us know in the comments!

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About Me

I help introverts develop authentic confidence, through coaching, training and digital products, so that they can thrive without having to change who they are, and companies through training, coaching and consultancy, to address the workplace bias towards extroversion.

Through developing my own authentic confidence I have been able to build a life on my terms, working part-time for full-time income, travel solo around the world, work with companies like Google and speak, with confidence, to entire auditoriums. I've already helped thousands of individuals, across 169 countries globally, to develop confidence and communication skills, as well as manage Imposter Syndrome and limiting beliefs. Helping others feel enough is my passion.

If you are an introvert looking to feel more confident, set boundaries to help you balance your time and be able to understand, and communicate, your value to others; a leader looking to better support your introverted talent; or a company committed to achieving intersectional equity and inclusion, DM me or?visit my website, to find out more about how I can help you.

Alternatively, you can subscribe to my email list for additional updates and inspiration; I periodically send out free tools and resources to my email subscribers to help with their transformation. Sign up?here.