Introverts and Work: Manage Your Energy and Thrive in Your Career
The first installment of this two-part series addressed common misconceptions about introverts in the workplace, including that being quieter means introverts have less to contribute. Not true!!
In case you missed it, you can check it out here: Introverts and Work: Dispelling 4 Common Myths.
After casting these myths and inaccurate stereotypes aside, this blog post provides actionable tips and strategies for introverts to honor their natural style and shine in their careers. What can introverts do to survive—thrive—at work?
If you’ve ever been pressured to speak up more at work … or wished you had earplugs to drown out the nonstop open office chatter … or ended the day completely drained after back-to-back meetings … you’re not alone. Even if you want to be (wink).
“By making a few intentional shifts, you can protect your energy, create more ease in your day, and show up at work in a way that feels more authentic. ”
You’re probably an introvert.
Every job has its own demands for interacting with others. If that level is consistently too high for your introverted taste, it can feel like swimming against the current. No wonder you’re exhausted!
The truth is, you don’t need to push yourself to be louder, quicker or more outgoing to succeed. Instead, find ways to work with your natural style—not against it.
Related: Natural Abilities: The Foundation of an Aligned Career
By making a few intentional shifts, you can protect your energy, create more ease in your day, and show up at work in a way that feels more authentic. That’s what leads to sustainable success.
Following are four practical ways to honor your introversion, leverage your strengths, and flourish in your career.
#1 Add value … your way.
Introverts usually don’t love being put on the spot. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have ideas, or that they’re not worth sharing. Quite the opposite!! Don’t sell yourself short.
Even though others might be louder or faster to volunteer an answer, embrace opportunities to share your insights and creativity.
TIPS:
Prepare, don’t pressure yourself. Before meetings, presentations or high-stakes conversations, give yourself time to gather your thoughts. You don’t need to respond instantly to be effective.
Communicate with managers and coworkers. Letting others know how you do your best work can be a great way to frame your introversion as an asset to the team or project. It’ll also help them understand and respect your style.
Honoring your introversion isn’t just about how you contribute—it’s also about how you manage your energy.
#2 Take “energy snacks” throughout your day.
You know when you feel motivated and energized—and when you don’t. Sometimes it’s obvious. You’re disengaged and depleted.
Other times, though, the lack of motivation and energy can disguise itself. Ever wonder why you feel irritable? Impatient? Brain foggy?
Tuning into these mood states can help you identify what you need in that moment. If you’re an introvert, it could signal your need for quiet, solitude, or space/time to think.
You might not be able to act on it right away. (I don’t know many bosses who appreciate an employee taking “me time” in the middle of a meeting, do you?)
But for introverts, even a few minutes away from the overstimulation can temporarily recharge your batteries. Just like eating an apple can get you through to lunch, energy snacks can help you manage your energy throughout the workday.
TIPS:
Be creative! Find an energy-balancing activity that’s acceptable and appropriate for your work environment. It could be as simple as putting on noise-cancelling headphones—whether you listen to calming music or simply relish the silence.
Find a mini-escape spot, like an empty office, conference room or even your parked car, to take a quick respite from the hustle and bustle of the workplace.
Take a digital break—even if it’s just for 15 minutes—to step away from emails, Slack or Teams. Disconnecting from constant incoming messages can be an easy and effective way to refuel your energy tank.
#3 Proactively schedule solitude.
If your workday involves working with or around people, one of the best things you can do is bookend your days with blocks of alone time. If you can squeeze one in mid-day, too, even better!
I get it. Mornings are hectic, especially if you’re getting others (kids, dogs, etc.) ready for their days, too. But showing up to work with a full tank sets you up for success throughout the day.
That’s why it’s so important to be proactive. The more you ground yourself for your day, the more productive and energized you’ll be at work.
TIPS:
Wake up 30 minutes earlier. Savor the silence. Practice yoga. Meditate. Journal. Drink your morning cup of coffee or tea with soft music playing in the background.
Build time into your day for solo work, reflection or planning. To make sure you keep the commitment to yourself, block out the time on your calendar.
Maximize your commute—even if you work remotely. Drive (or bus, or train) times provide an opportunity to transition from a “work” to a “home” mindset. If your home is your office, carve out 30 minutes at the end of your day to unwind and recharge for the evening.
#4 Consider your preference for introversion as you explore new roles.
Move over stereotypes. Introverts aren’t just suited for roles that involve independent work or extended periods of solitude (such as writer, analyst, accountant … to name a few).
It’s not that introverts can’t work in people-facing careers. They can absolutely thrive as classroom teachers, sales reps and an endless host of other relationship-driven occupations so long as they honor their natural style and incorporate energy management strategies.
Also, remember that introversion isn’t an absolute. While you may lean more strongly toward introversion than extroversion, it’s a style preference that falls along a continuum and likely varies depending on your energy and comfort level.
TIPS:
Explore roles that involve 1:1 or small group interaction, which may feel less draining than larger group settings.
Seek out positions that allow for independent work when contributing to group endeavors.
Fine-tune career options within your chosen field or industry. For example, introverted teachers might prefer a role as an educational specialist over that of a traditional classroom teacher.
Hello, Introverts. I’m Talking to You.
Honoring your introversion at work is among the best gifts you can give yourself. Small, intentional actions can make a big difference in how energized, confident and effective you feel throughout the day.
“Nix the notion that you have to change who you are to succeed!”
You are more than your introversion. In fact, it’s just one of the myriad factors that influence how you interact with the world.
Above all, nix the notion that you have to change who you are to succeed!
Honoring your introversion is a form of self-care … and self-respect. Give yourself the license to contribute in ways that allow you to shine. To thrive. And to succeed.
Lean into your strengths.
If you’re ready to gain a better understanding of how you’re wired, the Highlands Ability Battery (HAB) can be a powerful next step. Paired with coaching, the HAB can help you identify your natural abilities and maximize them for professional success.