Introverts in the Workplace: Strategies to Succeed

Did you know that introverts make up 30-50% of the workforce?

You might feel like you’re the only one who enjoys working in solitude, but you’re not alone. It’s likely that there are other introverts in your workplace.

But even though there are other introverts in the office, it might not mean that everyone gets how you work. Introverts in the workplace can sometimes feel misunderstood and undervalued, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

If you’re wondering how to survive (and thrive) as an introvert at work, keep reading. While I’m an ambivert myself, I can still share the strategies I’ve developed to manage my time and energy in a workplace full of extroverts.

Introverts in the Workplace

It can be challenging for introverts to thrive in a world that seems to value extroversion. While success may be found more easily in a career ideal for introverts, you can still learn to thrive in any work environment.

Introverts are valuable members of the team. They tend to be more empathetic, analytical, and creative. Introverts in the workplace should focus on their strengths while also getting out of their comfort zone. By building the right extroverted qualities, you will thrive at work.

Many introverts already know how to use their strengths in the professional world. However, to have a successful career, you need to be able to manage the pressures of an extroverted work environment.

Strategies to Succeed as an Introvert at Work

There are many ways an introvert can succeed at work. My number one tip? Focus on your strengths!

Introverts prefer to build strong relationships over time rather than engaging in quick conversations with many people at once. While you may need to act more extroverted when the situation calls for it, you shouldn’t try to become someone you’re not.

Here are some successful strategies for introverts in the workplace:

• Start with what you enjoy
• Utilize your listening skills and your attention to detail
• Make an effort to get to know your coworkers
• Prepare in advance when you know you have to speak publicly
• Don’t be afraid to share your ideas
• Give yourself time to decompress or recharge when you need it
• Don’t undervalue your achievements

Now let’s go through each of those points in more detail.

Start with What You Enjoy

Focus on what you enjoy doing to build momentum throughout the day. Introverts tend to enjoy spending time thinking and reflecting on ideas. Whatever you enjoy most about your job, try to do that at the beginning of the day.

For example, if you enjoy planning out your day first thing in the morning, do it. Introverts are more likely to be happier when their time is used well, and when they control their schedule.

Utilize Your Skills

Introverts are great listeners, and they’re detail-oriented. Use these skills to your advantage!

By paying close attention to what’s happening around you, you can:

• Understand the dynamics of your company
• Think of strategic solutions to problems
• Develop a better understanding of your tasks and contributions to your team

How can you best implement these skills?

Before a meeting, ask your manager or the meeting organizer to share the meeting outline so you know what will be presented. This will help you prepare for the meeting so you feel comfortable offering your suggestions and solutions when the time comes.

You can also show your value at the end of a meeting by providing a recap of important information and confirming everyone’s follow-up tasks.

Another way to showcase your skills is to volunteer for assignments that involve research or writing.

Remember that you don’t need to be an extrovert to get ahead. There is no “correct” way of working; each person is different.

Get to Know Your Coworkers

Allow time in your week to build connections with your coworkers. While it’s good to have a strong focus on your work and be task-oriented, it’s also important to connect with your colleagues.

Connection builds trust, improves communication, and so much more.

One way to connect with colleagues is to schedule a lunch one-on-one. This is a great way to build relationships in a way that feels natural to you.

You can also invite someone to take a quick break with you. A few times per day, I do a loop or two around my office floor to stretch my legs. When my leader is available, I invite her to join me. This break lasts just five minutes, but it allows us to chat about things unrelated to work.

Prepare for Public Speaking

Fear of public speaking is incredibly common.

The best way for introverts to prepare is by taking time beforehand to think about the topic. While extroverts thrive on engaging with others, introverts are the opposite—they usually don’t crave attention. If you have a chance, practice in front of someone who will give you feedback if needed.

This gives introverts an opportunity to ask questions ahead of time rather than making them feel anxious when they are expected to give an answer on the spot.

Don’t Be Afraid to Share Your Ideas

Introverts tend to be good at thinking before speaking, but sometimes they can overthink. This might lead you to believe your ideas are unimportant, even though you have the knowledge and experience to contribute to your team.

While introverts do better by themselves or in small groups, rather than speaking in front of large crowds, you should remember that sharing your thoughts and ideas is essential to proving your value.

One way to do this is by first sharing your idea with a single colleague. Get their perspective. After you’ve had your idea validated or updated, then you can feel confident presenting the idea to your leader or to your team.

Another challenge for introverts in the workplace is the tendency to work on a challenging project for a long time without updating everyone else. Extroverts tend to provide frequent updates to the whole team, so everyone knows the value they provide. If you aren’t talking about your work, your value might be overlooked.

While you’re hopefully already giving routine updates to your boss, you should also take the time to provide updates to trusted team members. This also gives them the opportunity to provide feedback during the process. They might have ideas that will improve your work!

Take Time to Decompress or Recharge

Successful workplace introverts need time for themselves to recharge. Their extroverted counterparts, on the other hand, tend to recharge more in a group setting.

Try to find time in your schedule to get away from your desk. Take a walk, listen to music, meditate—any activity that helps you decompress.

Insight Global’s corporate office includes wellness rooms, and I use these almost daily to take 20 minutes to myself.

Don’t Undervalue Your Achievements

Remember that your work is important. You don’t need to be an extrovert to excel in the workplace. We all have different strengths.

Don’t be afraid to ask for one-on-one meetings with your leader to discuss your ongoing accomplishments and also to let them know how you like to work.

Find a New Job with Insight Global

Hopefully these tips will help you succeed as an introvert in the workplace, no matter your company or your role. However, if you’re uncomfortable in your current position, it might be time to look for an opportunity. Visit the Insight Global jobs board to see what openings are available!