If you are an introvert, you may find it hard to reach career advancement and professional success. Here are some essential tips to help you.
Thanks to the extensive research in personality psychology, the world has finally embraced introverts‘ qualities and recognized the effectiveness of their work.
Yet, we still live in a world dominated by extroverted individuals, where overconfidence and outgoing attitudes are major key roles in achieving career advancement.
Although introverts will never transform into social butterflies, it would be wise to identify some of the traits that may be adjusted with the aim of unlocking their full potential in the business world.
Here are the key tips that will help you reach career advancement by using the power of your introverted personality:
1. Do Not Allow Stress to Control You
When dealing with many stressful stimuli or tasks, introverts may become emotionally and mentally overwhelmed. It may be frightening to start an internship or a job if you have never been in this environment before, and especially if you a withdrawn person.
For introverted people, every beginning can be a real stress and a challenge almost impossible to overcome.
It is normal to be agitated and stressed at the beginning of a job or when dealing with an unknown situation, but when you let this emotion affect you, then it becomes problematic. Acknowledging your emotions can help you relax.
Everyone can lose their inner equilibrium, but when it comes to mastering your emotions, one of the tips I can give you is to try to develop a relationship with your mentor or superior, or even your colleagues.
Share with them the worries and concerns you have, because a friendly word can calm you down better than you could do it yourself. Remember that it is important not to allow your fears to stand in the way of success.
2. Get To Know Your Colleagues One at a Time
An introvert’s network of friends is very limited and in some cases nonexistent. Not because they hate people, but because they can easily absorb other people’s emotions or energy, which in return exhaust them.
Now imagine when an introvert enters a room or an office full of people, noises, phones ringing, etc. A complete nightmare!
Even if the ideal job does not involve any social interaction, you cannot disconnect yourself from the entire world as an introvert. Group work is what makes a company successful and your skills will certainly make a difference if you open up a little bit.
It is not essential to get to know everyone, but developing new relations can open new horizons. So, take your time and meet one person at a time. You will be surprised to find that you may have so much in common with your colleagues.
3. Communication Skills
Asking questions can be frightening for a shy or introverted individual. However, you need to be aware that most supervisors want questions to be asked because this indicates that you want to learn, and their function is to supervise and guide you into the tasks you have.
No matter how simple the problem is, if you have the slightest restraint, ask about what you have to do. Do not be ashamed or afraid. It is better to ask in advance than to try to fix what you did wrong.
Additionally, it is important to communicate your ideas with confidence and a clear voice. Numerous studies indicate that the tone of voice can influence the outcome of negotiations or the level of collaboration between two or more individuals.
That is because our voice does more than just sending a message: it describes bits of our personality and the degree of our motivation in achieving a target. If speaking in public is one of your fears and ultimately an obstacle in achieving career advancement, then reread the rule No.1!
4. Accept Your Mistakes
Introverts tend to be perfectionists and when mistakes are made, an introverted person can feel scared, worried or anxious. It is normal that we do not want to make mistakes, but that does not mean we will not.
We have to accept that we are human and as such, we should embrace our mistakes. Anything can be repaired at last or an experience from which we learn and improve.
5. Find Motivation
Introverts are naturally determined when they have a purpose in what they do (starting with an action they take, and a conversation they carry). As long as they have a purpose and a sense that they are on the right path, then everything is fine.
However, when the goal disappears, they become lost and do not know what they are doing in that place, they do not understand the importance of superficial conversations without purpose. All these can make introverts lose their interest and motivation.
This is why it is essential to remember the reason why you began an activity and the main goal. Motivation may not always come from external factors, so you must find it within yourself if you wish to improve or achieve career advancement.
Although these points may not fully discuss all the areas which an introvert could improve, the idea is to highlight the fact that sometimes, qualities may turn into obstacles when there is no flexibility and adaptability.
If you are a successful introvert who has to overcome his/her own insecurities in order to reach career success, please share your experiences with us!
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