Leading as an introvert in the time of Coronavirus: How I’m powering up, even when I feel like powering down

How are my fellow introverts doing?

As we check in on one another and build “remote, but not remote” (thanks, Ari Fox for that encapsulation) communities, I’m grappling with being an authentic introvert in a world where work, life and community are all blurring together fast. I’m realizing that I‘m missing some of the “social recharge” moments I used to rely upon to stay energized such as:

• Taking the stairs instead of getting on a crowded elevator to get to a meeting
• Walking to/from the train by myself instead of hopping on the employee shuttle
• Eating lunch at my desk
• Using evenings and weekends to catch up on quiet time

At home, even though it’s just the two of us introverts and our cat (who has her own “retreat” spaces), we’re also interacting more with our family and friends during the evenings and on the weekends to stay connected and supportive. Yesterday, I reached a tipping point and I made a choice that I wouldn’t have made in the pre-COVID-19 world. I declined to participate in a virtual get together with Hilary and our friends (many of whom are artists like Hilary who don’t have the benefit of weekdays packed with social interaction and so crave that connection even more now). I knew that if I said yes to that, I would be that much less able to show up on Monday for my team who needs me differently than before and in ways that will take some energy re-allocation. For whom I want to be able to rise to the occasion, even if it means attending one more virtual happy hour or coffee chat than I would have in the past.

Most of the vacations that Hilary and I take are focused on deliberate disconnection. I’m reminding myself of the lessons learned (and energy gained) on those precious trips by: 

• Reading actual books (listening is still great!!)
• Sitting by the open window and breathing in the fresh air
• Watching my cat sunbathe as the birds and squirrels play
• Trying to get better at exercising at home
• Continuing to practice mindful meditation through writing
• Spending more time noticing what (and who) is draining v.energizing
• Being appreciative for the luxury of calm, which in and of itself is a privilege

What’s keeping you energized? How can we support you as team members? 

And as we continue to evolve our ways of working, let’s not forget our superpowers. Let’s continue to show up authentically; to put our energy where it can be of the highest and best use to create better workplaces and businesses for our customers, colleagues and communities. We can teach as much as we can learn!