Introverts and Workplaces
Why workplaces are never optimized for introverts.
Most people often misunderstand introversion as shyness, timidity, lower tone of voice, and difficulty in conversing properly, assuming that introverts wouldn't do well in roles that they assume require extroversion. Especially in roles such as sales, both inbound and outbound, HR, customer success, or any people or customer-facing positions.
I'm an introvert, more so an ambivert now (someone who can be social when the situation demands it). Being in HR, people assume I am and should be an extrovert.
Once, for example, I was asked to write an introductory message for everyone about myself. I had included one line saying, “I am an introvert, but I can be great in one-on-one conversations.” Immediately, the person who asked me to do this came up to me and said, “Why have you mentioned that you are an introvert? You are in HR; shouldn't you be an extrovert? Is this okay?”
Now, this is most people’s reaction when you call yourself an introvert but work in sales or HR.
What people must understand is that introversion is nothing but seeking less stimulating environments, and introverts' energy drains with group social interaction. However, extroverts gain energy from highly stimulating, group social interactions.
What can you do?
Understand that introverts sometimes need me-time by themselves, so you can't force them to be part of social gatherings.
Let them be themselves, make your workspaces inclusive with largely calm and quiet spots, and don't call them out for being quiet and by themselves.
Try not to get into meetings unannounced.
Provide the flexibility of asynchronous communication, at least for the most part, for minor stuff and initial updates. They can collaborate, but the question is how?
Dedicate time for them in meetings to hear them out because they won't be the ones to jump at you whenever the floor is open for suggestions, opinions, and feedback.
You'll be surprised to know that usually, the connections they build are long-lasting and excel in 1:1 conversations. That's why they might also be great salespeople; some of the outbound SDRs I know are amazing performers in their jobs.
In professional settings, the term "team player" is often overemphasized, and individuals are frequently judged based on their ability to collaborate and integrate into teams. While this can pose challenges for extroverts who naturally seek attention and flourish in collaborative environments, it can be even more demanding for those who are introverted, reserved, or prefer working independently.
If you fall into this category, you understand the difficulty of fitting in or meeting your manager's expectations. This situation puts your job at risk if you don't enhance your ability to collaborate with the team.
No matter who you are, your work environment should both challenge and empower you, instead of making you feel like you don’t belong or fit.
Managers have to be trained to be open and receptive to all kinds of people because each one's needs differ.