Carl Jung revolutionized psychology when he introduced the concept of extraversion and introversion. It’s the fundamental difference between people who are energized by social interaction (extroverts) and those who feel rejuvenated by time spent alone (introverts).
Over a hundred years later, Jung’s notions are still woven into modern day psychological practices and social discourses. You’ve likely seen the over-simplified introvert-extrovert archetypes in pop-culture: introverts are the more reserved, reflective types who are depicted spending their Friday nights curled up with a book while their sociable, extraverted counterparts flock to crowded bars with friends.
However, while neither weekend preference is better than the other, something may be at stake for people who identify as introverts when it’s time to return to work on Monday. Here’s why accepting the introvert label— rather than the actual tendency to be more introverted— may be hurting your career growth.
The Introvert Label Limits Attitudes and Behaviors in the Workplace
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with introverted tendencies or preferences.
Plus, anywhere between 30 to 50% of the population is considered introverted, and there are specific job paths that are more suited for this disposition like programming, accounting, and writing. People who are more introverted also tend to be better at analytical thinking.
However, regardless of your career, you will need to leverage human relationships to get ahead. By accepting the introvert label as an absolute, you may be creating self-imposed limitations in terms of your ability to interact with colleagues and industry leaders, which is vital for career growth.
More recently, psychologists have discovered that most people don’t fall explicitly under the introvert or extravert category. Adam Grant estimates that ambiverts— people with a balance of extrovert and introvert features — make up between a half and two-thirds of the population. This means that the introvert-extrovert dichotomy people have used in the past is no longer true, nor helpful.
Three Ways the Introvert Label Puts You in a Box
- Justification to avoid networking events or interviews.
People who are more introverted may find networking events or job interviews overwhelming. Nonetheless, even if an interview or work happy hour isn’t your favorite experience, it doesn’t mean you should pass up these opportunities altogether. By avoiding these aspects of professional life, you miss building valuable professional relationships or securing career advancements.
Instead of using introversion as a justification to avoid these situations, try focusing on strategies that align with your personality, such as preparing ahead of time, setting realistic goals for the event, and taking breaks to recharge during a big get-together. Consider giving yourself a quota: for example, “I won’t leave the event until I’ve had real, authentic conversation with at least three new connections.”
When it comes to networking, seek quality over quantity. And there’s nothing wrong with taking a quick step outside to reset.
- Creation of a negative feedback loop around public speaking.
Public speaking is required at many different levels and in many different fields. Whether you’re pitching an idea to your boss or presenting your quarterly report, you will be asked to speak in front of a group many times over your career.
Continuously fueling yourself with negative thoughts about public speaking can create a self-perpetuating cycle that holds you back and limits your ability to showcase your expertise and establish yourself as a thought leader in your field.
While extroverts may feel more comfortable speaking in public, that doesn’t always translate into ability. Public speaking is a skill that both extroverts and Introverts can learn.
Overcoming this challenge involves gradually exposing yourself to public speaking situations, seeking support or training to improve your skills, and reminding yourself of your strengths and achievements.
- Avoidance of speaking up in brainstorming meetings —even if you have a great idea.
More introverted persons tend to feel comfortable processing thoughts internally and may not be as inclined to speak up in meetings. Unfortunately, that’s true even when they have valuable ideas.
In order to shine in front of colleagues and supervisors, find a balance that allows you to communicate your ideas effectively, whether that is preparing your thoughts beforehand, taking notes during meetings to organize your ideas, or offering your input in smaller group settings to help you overcome this fear.
Tips Managers Should Use to Level the Playing Field for Introverts
Supervisors know that all employees bring something different and important to the table. Here’s what managers can do to make sure their employees with more introverted qualities are heard and valued:
- Schedule one-on-one meetings with an employee who doesn’t tend to speak up as much in group sessions.
Traditional group meetings may not get the best from every employee. Extroverted people tend to dominate group conversations, so you may miss some great ideas if you don’t give your more reserved employees a different way to speak up. Scheduling one-on-one meetings with an employee who doesn’t contribute to group meetings may give them the opportunity to voice their opinion without the stress that comes from a group think session.
- Allow work-from-home (WFH) days to give introverted employees a chance to recharge with alone time.
As branding expert Richard Etienne recently told the BBC, “The workplace was created by extroverts, for extroverts. The ease with which people can access your space without invitation can be intense.” Working from home allows introverts to reset and maximize their energy, which in turn, makes them better employees.
- Provide the option of privacy.
While extroverts may love to see everybody all the time, introverts tend to need some privacy. Designate silent and private spaces in the office for people who require less social stimulation to perform.
Say Goodbye to Labels That Hold You Back
Self-imposed labels can put you in a box and reinforce habits that don’t contribute to your career growth. While there’s nothing wrong with introverted tendencies, accepting that you are an introvert as an absolute makes it more challenging to engage in the social aspects of professional life that are necessary to accelerate career growth.
Meetings, networking events, and public speaking situations may cause more stress for introvert-oriented people, but that doesn’t mean you can’t overcome those fears and put yourself in the best position for success.
Read the full article here
