Shining as an Introvert in the Workplace and Your Personal Life: Interview With Joanna

Ways Introverts Can Excel in the Workplace and Improve Their Personal Lives

Joanna from Flourishing Introverts shares her insights on the different types of introverts, introverts in the workplace, and ways introverts can improve their personal lives. She emphasizes the importance of introverts finding their true strengths so that they can communicate those strengths to the world and play to them.

According to Joanna, there are six different types of introverts, including: 

  • Classic – quiet, best as a solo worker, diligent, doesn’t always contribute but if/when they do it is always very valuable

  • Open – good at talking about feelings/emotions

  • Dynamic – good at learning in groups and working with other people

  • Engaging – good in public situations, good on stage in front of big audiences

  • Social – has the extrovertive trait of being social, but recharges in the same way all other introverts do

Ways introverts shine in the workplace

Oftentimes in a job setting, introverts can seem disinterested or unenthusiastic about certain opportunities when compared to extroverts (for example, a promotion to a leadership role). However, they oftentimes make very successful leaders, not despite their introvertive traits, but because of them:

  • Strong listening skills

  • Finding unique and creative solutions that solve root problems, when given time to think things through on their own

  • Resourceful, not needy

  • Respectful of other people’s time and energy

  • Don’t seek drama - have a calming influence over others

  • Don’t micromanage - helps employees feel trusted, respected, and independent

Ways to make life easier as an introvert:

  • Set boundaries about what you can and cannot give energy to 

  • Communicate your recharging needs clearly to family and friends

  • Try to help the extroverts in your life understand your needs, rather than reinforcing an unnecessary divide between the two types of people