Are written word’s louder than actions?

Knock, Knock?

This article is for everyone, but it carries a special dedication to my fellow introverts! ??

Visibility in the workplace isn’t nice to have, it’s a necessity. Being seen and recognized for your work can open doors to new opportunities and propel your career forward. But that doesn’t have to come at the cost of becoming someone you’re not. Even as an introvert, you can find ways to play to your strengths. In this article I give you some thoughts about it!

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Close your eyes and picture this:?

The familiar meeting room scenario: a mix of personalities, each trying to voice their brilliant ideas. And yes, I’ve got my fair share of those too—brilliant ideas, that is! LOL

But have I shared them all? Not quite. There’s a delicate dance within—an internal dialogue that sifts through thoughts, weighing their worthiness before they escape my lips. Is this hesitation a mistake? I don’t believe so; it’s a calculated filter, a discerning gatekeeper.

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Several years ago, I dismissed the importance of speaking up. I figured that diligently doing my work, crafting thoughtful emails with conclusions and struggles to ask for help, would suffice. But then, one day, my boss—a tough lady—delivered a truth wrapped in Radical Candor:

??????????? “Rina,” she said, “you’re my best employee. Yet, if you remain within your comfort zone—eschewing opinions in meetings, avoiding coffee chats, and relying solely on emails—I fear your career won’t soar.”

Her words stung, but they also sparked reflection. I realised she was right. So, I embarked on a transformation, and No, I don’t spill every thought; I’ve become adept at mental categorisation. However, occasionally, when faced with injustice, collaboration gaps, or passive-aggressive vibes, I unleash my inner Radical Candor. It’s unfiltered, raw, and revealing—a way for people to truly know me. Is it that good or bad? I think, its authentic!!!

So remember!!, introversion is just one facet of a rich tapestry of human personalities. It’s essential to appreciate and celebrate our differences, whether we’re introverts, extroverts, or somewhere in between!?

You may wonder and what is the point?

For some people, it is usually way easier to send an email, or ping someone instead of walking to their desktop. I am telling you this will not give you enough visibility.?

Standing up, speaking up, answering questions, elaborating your business case, articulating your thoughts, and talking about them, those are actions, and they are appreciated. They are louder and they put you in the list of future leaders of the organisation.?

Written words can be powerful, no doubt about it. They can convey emotions, express ideas, and leave a lasting impact. However, when it comes to making a real difference and creating tangible results, actions speak louder than words.

For introverts who may struggle with speaking up in meetings or engaging in face-to-face interactions, it can be tempting to rely solely on written communication. While emails, reports, and messages are essential tools for communication, they should not be a substitute for active participation and engagement.

For example, if you have a brilliant idea but keep it to yourself and never bring it up in a meeting, how will anyone know about it? How will it have any impact or influence on the outcome of a project? By speaking up and sharing your ideas verbally, you are taking action and making your voice heard.

Remember to articulate your thoughts in a clear manner, otherwise will be only empty words, not good ideas…

Similarly, if you have concerns or feedback to share, sending an email may be convenient, but having a face-to-face conversation can convey your message more effectively and allow for a deeper understanding and connection. Now, in Hybrid mode, this is a challenge, so you need to decide what would be the channel: email, chat or F2F based on the office/homeoffice set up.?

Taking action in the workplace can also mean volunteering for projects, offering to help a colleague in need, or taking the initiative to solve a problem. These actions not only demonstrate your capabilities and commitment, but also help build relationships, trust, and respect among your peers and supervisors.

In conclusion, next time you find yourself hesitating to speak up or take a proactive step, remember that actions have the power to create change, make an impact, and propel you forward in your career.

Be brave, be bold, and let your actions speak louder than words. Your success depends on it.

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