Introverts did Network!

Yesterday, I initiated a meet-up in Bangalore for my Coachees in the city.

We met at Café Azzure, MG Road, Bangalore.

It was the first time I had an in-person meeting with my Coachees community. I met many of them for the first time in person.

It was, of course, a meet-up of several introverts, including me.

We had a good time talking and having some good food.

Stepping into Café Azzure on MG Road in Bangalore, I did feel a buzz of anticipation.

What made this gathering unique was that it was a gathering of introverts – professionals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and industries, all coming together to network and share insights.

There was an HR Head, a Corporate Leader turned Entrepreneur, an Entrepreneur turned Corporate leader, a Chartered Accountant, a Finance VP, a Project Manager, a Software Leader, someone who acted in a small role in an upcoming movie Kannada-Kashmiri movie, someone who is also a writer and the list goes on.

Contrary to the stereotype of introverts being quiet and reserved, our table was alive with conversation from the moment we sat down.

But, was the table quiet for even a minute? No !!

Was there an awkward silence? No !!

Instead, we dove into discussions about the intricacies of today's corporate world, navigating promotions and salary negotiations, and the role of introverts in leadership.

Here are some key takeaways for working professionals from our discussions:

1. Doing Your Boss's Job: A recurring theme was the importance of going above and beyond in your role, often taking on responsibilities that align with higher-level positions. It's not just about meeting expectations; it's about exceeding them and demonstrating your readiness for advancement.

2. Advocating for Yourself: Many shared experiences of the necessity of advocating for salary hikes. In a competitive environment, if you don't ask for it, you may not receive it. It's essential to articulate your value and confidently request what you deserve.

3. Emotional Intelligence: When it comes to leadership, emotional intelligence is paramount. Acknowledging and addressing team members' emotions fosters trust, empathy, and collaboration, which are essential for effective leadership.

4. AI and Leadership: Despite the rise of artificial intelligence, the consensus was that leaders play a unique and irreplaceable role. As emotional beings, our ability to connect, inspire, and motivate others sets us apart from AI. Leadership is about more than just tasks; it's about human connection.

5. Preparing for the Future: With the landscape of work evolving rapidly, individual contributors must prepare themselves for leadership roles. Upskilling and staying ahead of the curve are crucial to remain relevant and competitive in today's job market.

Beyond professional topics, our conversations meandered into diverse realms – from the newspaper industry to cricket and the stock market. It was a testament to our group's breadth of interests and experiences.

The success stories from our meet-up were inspiring.

One coachee moving to Germany found mentors who provided invaluable guidance for their transition.

An entrepreneur identified potential opportunities for collaboration, illustrating the tangible benefits of networking for introverts.

Reflecting on the event, I realized the importance of structure in facilitating introvert networking.

While our meet-up wasn't meticulously planned, unlike what I ideally liked (I was doing it for the first time and wanted to experience how it goes), our organic approach proved effective in fostering connections and meaningful discussions.

I am visiting Mumbai and catching up with some of my Coachees in Mumbai soon.

Please reach out if you're based in Mumbai and interested in joining our meet-up. I look forward to connecting and sharing insights with you.

As I prepare to visit Mumbai and meet with more coachees, I'm reminded of the power of networking for introverts.

It's not about loud networking events or forced interactions; it's about creating authentic connections and leveraging them for personal and professional growth.

Here are some programs that would be of interest to Introvert Professionals

1. Introvert Communication Mastery: A coaching program empowering Introverts to Speak Up Anywhere
2. Leadership Success Club: Accelerated Your Journey to Senior Leadership Roles
3. People Management Mastery: Sharpen Your People Management Skills
4. Enhance Your Strategic Thinking Capabilities
5. www.coachjohncey.com for more information