Ways For Introverts to Excel at Work

By Ciarra Maraj

Psychology Today states that 50-74% of the population are extroverts, which can explain why introverts are, at times, viewed as peculiar. Some introverts can be shy and reserved, but they are also observant and calculated. They have traits that are crucial to and valued by businesses. Introverts, of course, deserve to be at work like everyone else.

So what is a good definition to describe an introvert? 

Google defines the personality trait of introversion as “the quality of being shy and reticent.” The American Psychology Association defines introvert as “orientation toward the internal private world of one’s self and one’s inner thoughts and feelings, rather than toward the outer world of people and things.”

“What it really means is that social interactions tend to drain you more than another person who is not introverted,” said Lissa Appiah, career coach and founder of WeApply Career Services, a company dedicated to helping introverts increase their visibility at work.

Introverts are not shy or mean. They are just preserving their energy. Extroverts are the opposite — they receive energy from social interactions. Both personalities exist, and neither is better than the other; they just are. Personality types are not binary; they are on a spectrum.

Susan Cain, author of “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking”, says “Western society is based on Greco-Roman ideals of the person that can speak well, a rhetorical ideal. We have always been to some extent a society that favors action over contemplation.”

When asked if the workplace catered to how extroverts work, Cain said, “I'd say it's more so than ever before.”

That environment can make work one of many places where introverts are misunderstood.

How Introverts Can Navigate Work 

Extroverts often tell introverts to step out of their comfort zones. And everyone should step out of their comfort zone now and then, introverted or not. But a push toward discomfort is not the only thing introverts can do to maneuver at work. 

According to Appiah, most introverts tend to be more self-aware than others. So they can use that introverted superpower to reflect on the strengths, talents and skills they have to offer. 

“It's not about really stepping out of your comfort zone, but it's about being able to identify the skills and qualifications that you have and leveraging them to your advantage,” Appiah said.

Knowing yourself and communicating your needs is integral. 

“A part of the work is also being true to yourself and communicating to your management, to your leadership. ‘Hey, if you want to get the best out of me, here is how I perform best,’” said Lisa Hurley, editor and co-host of The Introvert Sisters podcast.

Participating at Work

Meetings may cause introverts to feel uneasy at work because they may not want to talk in front of everyone or have anything to say. However, Forbes says “meetings are powerful personal branding opportunities” which help your promotion. 

Appiah says introverts should prepare for meetings ahead of time to meet the moment.   

“You could have a 30-minute meeting with your boss or with your team. Preparing ahead of time will help you to set the right expectations, will help you to conserve your energy and be really intentional in your approach,” Appiah said. 

Managers control meeting culture. For them, there is power in asking employees their thoughts without adding the pressure for workers to answer right away. Some people might not feel comfortable at that moment, but it does not mean they do not have great ideas, Hurley said. 

“A leader can say, ‘Hey if anyone has anything additional to add, please feel free to email me or the group and we'll make sure that your ideas get captured.’”

Making Friends At Work

A common misconception is that since introverts are quiet they are antisocial.

“It's important to know that introverts are actually really good at building relationships,” Appiah said. 

Scheduling one-on-one meetings or small group lunches and letting the connection grow over time is one of the best ways for introverts to make friends without feeling overwhelmed, Hurley suggested.

A happy hour may not be appealing to some introverts, but that does not mean they cannot make friends. Starting a friendship can be as simple as saying “Hi” to someone you want to connect with on Slack or email. Also, you can still be a person people want to work with even if you don’t have close work friends.

Thriving at Work as an Introvert 

Appiah said scheduling a meeting-free day is a great way for introverts to gain energy and progress on a to-do list. The lack of meetings reduces personal interactions, which can help introverts.

For Hurley, introverts prioritizing self-care is an integral part of prospering in the office or working from home.

“If you have to be in the office…find one of those one-person pods,” she said. 

Communication is the best way to navigate working as an introvert. Both Hurley and Appiah stressed the importance of advocating for yourself.  Let your boss know how you work best, and let your coworkers know how you prefer to communicate.

If you are an introverted leader, lead by listening, Appiah said. 

“Taking the time to really listen and use your skills to be able to understand the complexity of situations and people… That's something that's often innate to introverts and it’s something that we can really leverage.”

Part of introverts excelling at work and navigating the world is receiving the space to be themselves. Hurley urges extroverts to make succinct points, then make room for someone else to contribute. Appiah suggests that extroverts should understand that not everyone works in the same way and to respect boundaries of introverted coworkers. 

Leaders need to recognize that diversity and inclusion are not only about race but personality and work habits as well. So managers, make an effort to know your employees. 

Jobs for Introverts

An introvert choosing a job goes back to knowing their strengths and operating in, what Hurley calls, their “zone of excellence.”

“That's not to say never stretch, stretch goals are important,” Hurley said. “You definitely have to evolve within your career and within life in general. However, there's a reason why people don't ask the greatest piano players in the world, ‘Today, can you just play the violin?’” 

When analyzing career choices, Appiah said that being an introvert should not stop you from doing what you want to do.

“Our personality won't necessarily dictate our career path, but it's something that we should still consider when we're making our career decisions,” Appiah said.

(Editing by Todd Dybas)