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