10 Hacks for Introverts in the Workspace

Do you score high on the introversion scale every time you take the Meyers-Briggs test? Do you feel drained when you have to network with large groups of people? Do you need time to be alone with your thoughts and recharge? Do you enjoy being by yourself? If all these apply to you, then you already know you’re an introvert.

While it seems like workplaces reward those who like to be “out there,” introverts are valuable in the workplace, too. Whether you’re a leader, a mid-level manager or employee, here’s how to best harness your strengths at work while staying within your comfort zone.

1. Find a quiet spot in your office. Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power Of Introverts In A World That Can’t Stop Talking, says that introverts will do better in the work space if they can find quiet and solitude. For introverts, excess noise and distraction can cause stress. Finding a place to be alone, on the other hand, could boost an introvert’s productivity and creativity.“We know that introverts are very creative because their very propensity for working in solitude and with a lot of focus actually aids in the creative process,” Cain says. “When psychologists have looked at who have been the most creative people over time in a wide variety of fields, almost all the people they looked at had serious streaks of introversion. They were comfortable going off by themselves and focusing.”
2. Make time to think. Along the same lines, you should also schedule time in your day for reflection. Create a process wherein you can think about your strategies and choices, and then fully vet issues with others. Using alone time may also be a great way to reboot for the week or day ahead. For leaders, it can help develop better critical thinking skills.
3. Make time to recharge. Work breaks are crucial for introverts, who are likely to feel overwhelmed by constant stimulation and distractions. Breaks help introverts craft more thoughtful responses and solutions to problems as well.
4. Follow up. In large groups or company meetings, introverts may feel shy about speaking up. Rightly so; introverts need time to think about what they’re saying. This is an opportunity to circle back with supervisors after the fact, when you’re able to better articulate what you want to say. Joe McHugh, vice president of executive services for the Edina, Minnesota, office of Right Management Consultants says: “Colleagues and bosses need to realize that introverts often don’t know what they think immediately, and that they need time to think things through before coming to a conclusion.”
5. Get to know your material well beforehand. A feeling of familiarity helps introverts feel more secure. Whether it’s reviewing a presentation or checking out a meeting venue before it starts, knowing what to deal with helps introverts be more comfortable and focus on the matter at hand.
6. Check in with co-workers regularly. Cain says part of doing a good job is forming the connections and relationships at work. Scheduling a time to say hello to everyone — and by doing so, turning socializing into a daily habit — can make building those bonds feel more natural.
7. Know your potential as a leader. Studies suggest that introverted leaders actually manage proactive employees better than extroverted leaders. Research from the Harvard Business School says that introverted leaders are more likely to listen to and implement the ideas of their teams. “Introverts are really good, if they have a bunch of engaged employees, at letting those employees run with their ideas, cultivating those ideas. They’re less focused on putting their own stamp on things and more on bringing out other people’s strengths,” Cain says. “They also tend to be very good at cultivating one-on-one alliances with the people they’re leading and really listening to what their needs are, what their input is.”
8. Take on solo projects — just make sure you get credit. Introverts are great at focusing and immersing themselves in a project by themselves. Turn that into a company benefit; one way is to volunteer for projects where you don’t need a lot of supervision.Tim Backes, career adviser at resumegenius.com, says most introverts are good at processing information and planning ahead. “As long as goals and deadlines are understood, there’s no need to hover over their shoulders and micromanage,” he says.  “You’ll get the most out of an introverted employee by giving them clear expectations and a lot of space.
9. Develop the skills you excel at as an introvert. In the same manner, introverts can develop these solo skills for workplace success:
   • Writing to articulate your ideas and the position you have with projects and company tactics.
   • Listening to make sure everyone is heard, build stronger relationships and better engagement. HR consultant Cheryl Snapp Conner explains, “Today, the best communicators are realizing it’s no longer necessary or even beneficial to conduct your business from the vantage point of needing to own center stage.”
10. Let others know that you’re an introvert. Introverted-ness can sometimes get mistaken for aloofness or disinterest. When you let others know you’re not naturally outgoing, they can more easily adapt to your workplace style. Let them know you’re busy listening and thinking instead.

As Cain said in her 2012 TED Talk titled The Power of Introverts, “Shyness is about fear of social judgment. Introversion is more about how do you respond to stimulation, including social stimulation.” Introverts don’t always have to adapt to other people’s styles. Asking people to understand the introvert’s quirks also helps set successful adaptive behaviors for everyone in the workplace. Utilizing this advice, and the tips above, can turn any opportunity into ideal jobs for introverts.