Almost every society is majorly an extroverted one; it seemingly belongs to someone who is outgoing, the life and soul of a party and is socially confident. I wake up daily to the news of how you should talk more, show up more, showcase yourself more, blow your own trumpet and honk your horns the loudest. Having checked the context of these statements, they are quite right because showcasing yourself helps build your brand which in turn, gives you better platforms.

If you are an introvert, you already know a few things about yourself which negates those traits written above. An introvert finds joy in being on their own, in their own carefully selected circle, enjoy a party when they aren’t the centre of attention, do a whole lot but show less, and are usually engrossed in and entertained by their own thoughts and emotions, most of the time. These traits are also in play at the workplace for introverts, as they would prefer to work alone or with a small group of like-minded people and would hardly share their opinions in large meetings.

It’s easy to think that an extrovert will thrive at the workplace while the introvert won’t, however, it is not necessarily so. An introvert can succeed excellently well at the workplace if they can fully understand themselves, lay hold on their strengths and use it to their advantage.

4 Major Strengths of an Introvert in the Workplace.

Are you an Introvert? Or do you know one? You will realise that an average introvert in the workplace has at least, three of these traits.

An introvert hardly speaks before they think. 

The core of introversion is deep thoughts, it is quite unlikely that an introvert will interrupt you at the workspace, they take their time before speaking. This makes them give better responses, calculated answers and wise ideas at work.

They are less challenging to their managers/supervisors.

Managers who have led groups with more introverts have turned out happy and satisfied. Introverts have been proven to take directions well, hardly argue to be right, give relevant feedback, all of these are emulatable traits in the workplace.

They can work independently.

Did I say “they can work independently?” They thrive on working independently! They prefer working alone which has no negative effect on the quality of work they produce. If you need people who can work with minimum supervision or involvement, introverts are your best bet.

Their opinions are respected.

This works in two ways. First, since introverts are highly calculating, their opinion comes after deep thought and consideration, they only say it because it is needed. Thus, it usually poses great solutions to the problem. Two, since they hardly engage in loud conversations and small talks, they are usually reverenced whenever they want to speak.

Thriving in the Workplace for Introverts.

Choose a Career Path that Suits your Introversion.

To be honest, you cannot be an introvert and choose some career paths. It’s either you are ready to rigorously work on that introversion or you plunge into some deep level of stress(read depression).

Career paths where you can thrive with reduced human interaction or social interdependence can work for you. Paths like Writing, Coding, Information Technology and Data Analysis are the best choices for introverts. You can check through this list of 15 best jobs for introverts.

“Writing is something you do alone. Its a profession for introverts who want to tell you a story but don’t want to make eye contact while doing it.” John Green

Imagine being an introverted Receptionist or Customer Care Officer. Nah, don’t imagine it.

Build Individual Relationships with Colleagues.

If you cannot express yourself in a group, then doing that individually is a better option. Everyone needs colleagues who know them, how intelligent they are, the rich work they do and the success they have achieved. Extroverts get these by sharing their opinion, speaking during meetings, being the life of the party and so on. As an introvert, connecting with your colleagues personally strategically helps them to know you and your work. If you cannot blow your trumpet in your team of thirty members, connecting personally with ten of them introduces your life to them. If you’re lucky enough, they may blow it for you. You’ll be surprised at how far individual testimonies can travel.

Be Accountable to your Boss.

In her book, “Venus in Arms”, Criss Jami wrote, “In an extroverted society, the difference between an introvert and an extrovert is that an introvert is often unconsciously deemed guilty until proven innocent.” As much as it can also be applied to it, this is not about office crimes. If there is ever any open role or available opportunity, an extrovert would easily be seen. However, a way to help you and your efforts remain seen without too much office socialisation is by being accountable to your boss. Share reports of your tasks as often as possible, discuss challenges and also give opinions on how things can be better.

In the end, your boss knows who is more valuable to the team and in the workplace, their opinion matters more.

Plan Ahead of Meetings.

An introvert doesn’t air their opinion in meetings because they are deep thinkers who have to properly consider all odds before saying anything. Preparing beforehand can help a lot. Make active preparations, consider all options, and jot your opinion down, you can even go as far as rehearsing them. All these make you prepared so much that when it’s time to speak, there’s less to worry about.

Always Show Up.

In the workplace, there is a thin line between being introverted and being against team activities. It doesn’t matter whether you will speak, socialise or interact with others, your presence is highly valuable and your absence, is highly noticeable. Ensure you are present at group meetings, parties and occasions. Apart from helping you connect more with colleagues, this also helps show them that you are for the team and in support of team activities. 

Bond Outside the Workplace.

What do you do outside the office? What do you do for fun? Consciously build connections with your colleagues to experience these things with you. A lot of introverts express themselves more on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Connect with your colleagues on these platforms, let them know what you do outside work, let them see the other side of you which they may find fascinating. That way, you will not only be bonding better in the workplace, you will also be extending your brand to them. 

Thriving in the workspace requires you to know yourself and leverage your strengths. Are you an introvert? These tips will surely work for you!