Careers For Introverts Introverts In
Careers For Introverts [Introverts in the Corporate World an Invisible Battle]
Article by Cynthia Schultz
Careers For Introverts [Introverts in the Corporate World an Invisible Battle] – Business – Workplace Communication
Search by Author, Title or Content
Article ContentAuthor NameArticle Title
Home
Submit Articles
Author Guidelines
Publisher Guidelines
Content Feeds
RSS Feeds
FAQ
Contact Us
While watching the only season of The Apprentice I had a stomach for, when I saw who won, my heart leapt for joy. So often careers for introverts go way off track.
An introvert became the winner of a coveted top corporate role. What a feat, particularly in the corporate world.
You probably wouldn’t recognize Stephanie, the Apprentice winner as an introvert. She’s a force, someone who stepped up to get the job done and more. Trump said she came in under the radar and this concerned him. She balanced introversion with the environment extremely well. The battle of corporate introverts typically happens at lower management and employee levels. By the way, that battle is rarely seen because the typical corporate introvert is fighting on a daily basis to change their style so they can get ahead. This is an uphill battle that can handicap the talented introvert because the current perception in work is:
Fast or Loud = Quality
This poorly conceived precept makes for bad decision-making and costs companies millions. Yet companies continue to hire the fast-talking, fast deciding, fast implementing consultants and staff – and to the company’s dismay three years later they’re not much farther ahead. Are you the introvert at work? Do you reel at the pace of ideas thrown out in meetings? And while digesting the discussion, your gut tells you you’re right and your idea is a winner, but it just never gets out there? Being an introvert doesn’t mean taking second seat or second row. It definitely doesn’t mean lower quality. You can use being an introvert to your advantage. Listen carefully (you’re good at this) during those meetings. The fast talkers, the first to speak up to throw out their ideas, are typically assumed to be leaders. Ever notice when you listen closely, the ideas thrown out so fast frequently fall short on substance or real solutions? True, these are some of the basis for brainstorming (your strong suit) so take advantage of the first 15 minutes of the meeting to listen. Then make your move. I was recently part of a large software project during a company’s restructure. The pace was break neck. As an independent contractor, every meeting held the opportunity to stand out, say something and get noticed. Not only am I left handed, creative and have an endearingly sarcastic wit; damn if I’m not an extreme introvert. It has to qualify me for a handicapped tag somewhere, but that’s a discussion for another day. I didn’t stand out as a superstar in meetings. I worked like a superstar in every respect. It takes time to be recognized this way; it’s the road traveled solely by the patient and determined. There’s also a risk that you’ll never be noticed. Corporate culture can suck that way. Use your natural introversion to stand out. You can help your supervisor see you in a totally different light when you understand he or she doesn’t instinctively know what you’re thinking. (As much as you wish this could be, most managers have zero mind reading ability.) Because we introverts tend to be the ‘look before you leap’ types, use this thinking process or digestive time to communicate in ways that suit your style. Don’t be pressured to change your style unless you choose to. Most important, talk with a trusted superior to take the steps to get the backing you’ll need in order to accomplish your goals. Email your supervisor occasionally with your best ideas (of course with the ways to implement them so your impact is maximized). Hey, stretch a little and go to lunch once in a while or better yet, take the step to set up a lunch – you’ll blow them away.
About the Author
Cynthia is a writer, consultant and introvert. Her company Foothold Services provides small businesses a boost to their online presence with great services.Visit Introverted By Design to read more articles about introverts…where normal lives.
Use and distribution of this article is subject to our Publisher Guidelines
whereby the original author’s information and copyright must be included.
Cynthia Schultz
Article Directory
About
FAQ
Contact Us
Advanced Search
Privacy Statement
Disclaimer
GoArticles.com 2012, All Rights Reserved.
Cynthia is a writer, consultant and introvert. Her company Foothold Services provides small businesses a boost to their online presence with great services.Visit Introverted By Design to read more articles about introverts…where normal lives.
Use and distribution of this article is subject to our Publisher Guidelines
whereby the original author’s information and copyright must be included.
Find More Introvert Articles
