How to thrive as an introvert in workplace and relationship (1)

As humans, we are made to interact with one another irrespective of our personality traits. One huge mistake anyone can make is to allow their personality deprive them of the benefits of meaningful human interaction. As an introvert, I understand that it comes easy to us to stay away from society. However, it is very important that we do not become victims of what should be a part of us. Like I wrote in the first article of this series, The Real Deal about Introverts, your personality is for you not the other way round. This article is dedicated to helping introverts thrive in both their work environment and in relationships. 

The workplace is one environment every responsible adult cannot be away from. Now, I know that people are working remotely these days and it's become more prevalent since the break out of the covid pandemic, however, you cannot deny the fact that you will work with a person or a team of people at some point at work.By the way, in my opinion, working remotely is not the best choice for introverts. It allows you to wallow in your tendencies and that is not making you a better person. A friend once posted that they have become more impatient with people because of that less amount of time spent among other people. This is proof that you cannot gain mastery over your personality especially as an introvert if you don't find ways to interact with people. Two very important ways are the workplace and relationships.  

Let's take a look at the workplace. 

Imagine you are required to work with a team every day for 2 months to plan and execute a project, you are required to meet from 9am to 5pm to get the job done and then your introvert tendencies start to kick in. You get tired to hearing them talk, you get  tired of the conversation, you need time to think and a quiet environment to just be by yourself for a while. I'm sure these sound familiar. 

Here are ways to thrive in this environment and still be true to yourself

1. Schedule breaks 

Take a break. It's that simple. You need a break? Take one. As an introvert, you need time to recharge after a while of interaction. You are at your best when you take this little breaks so you shouldn't deprive yourself of what you need to be working at optimal. Take lunch alone, take walks if possible, just make sure you are getting your slice of quiet everyday. 

2. Utilize your intuition

Introverts are known to be very intuitive. You are perceived to be better thinkers so bring this to your team to make things work. When you take your breaks, ruminate on what has been discussed. It comes easy to you to see all sides of opinions because of how your mind works, explore this so that your team can see how valuable you are. When your team understand that your thinking time brings constructive contributions to the work, they will respect your alone time and might even schedule some time for you. 

3.  Prepare before you speak

When you are asked to lead a presentation, make sure that you take time to prepare. Your natural inclination is not to address a crowd so you must be mentally prepared to do so. Think about what you want to say, pen down an outline than familiarize yourself with it. Do not for any reason try to go into addressing an audience without preparing. It does you a whole lot of good to know that you are ready to face the crowd. 

4.  Smile more to emit a warm aura

Smiling makes you more approachable. As an introvert, you are usually accused of been aloof or disconnected from the environment, this is why smiling is essential for you. Smiling makes people more comfortable around you. It makes you look confident and in control. It also makes you feel good about yourself. You should try smiling more when you are working with your team. You'll thank me later. 

5. Acknowledge and accept accolades for your achievements

You are a valuable member of your team and you should accept that. Acknowledge your achievements so that you can be motivated to do more. When you do great at a task, take the praise. It encourages you to try it again especially when it's your first time. I understand that you might want to shy away from attention but this is good for you. You are taking control of your life when you can bypass your tendencies to be a better version of yourself. 

6. Utilize your ability to write

Introverts are generally known to prefer writing in the place of speaking. To be an asset to your team, volunteer to handle every form of writing - reports, emails, memos, letters - all that needs to be documented. Writing is a great and more comfortable way of expression for introverts.

To learn more about this, read How to succeed and thrive as an introvert at work

Conclusion

You can make great achievements in your workplace even as an introvert. Don't overlook your tendencies, take control of them. Smile more often, be proud of your achievements, prepare before you address an audience and use that writing skill to give your team an edge.