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The workplace can be a fast-paced and social environment — two characteristics that tend to intimidate introverts. If you are an introvert, rather than allowing this to overwhelm you, learn to work with your strengths and personality type. Here are a few tips to become a successful introvert in meetings.
Tip 1: Introverts Should Prepare for Meetings.
If meetings =stress you out and you feel like you never have time to think on your feet, then consider writing down your ideas in advance. Introverts need time to think things through before they start talking.
Take five to ten minutes before a meeting to organize your thoughts on paper. This makes a big difference.
Meetings can move quickly. There are people who are talkative, and it might be hard to get a word in edgewise. By bringing your notes to the table, you are prepared to jump in and discuss what is on your mind. You will need less time to consider, because you gave yourself that time beforehand.
Tip 2: Introverts Should Speak up Sooner Rather Than Later.
In meetings, introverts are the observers. They enjoy taking in and absorbing everything around them before they comment.
Frequently introverts go through the whole meeting without ever saying a word. By the time they feel comfortable, what they wanted to say has been said or the meeting is over.
Instead of waiting, be one of the first ones to speak up when the time comes. Yes, it will push your comfort zone and may be slightly uncomfortable, but you will have the chance to express your thoughts and also appear engaged in the conversation!
Tip 3: Introverts Should Synthesize Ideas.
Since introverts are inclined to be good listeners, use this strength to your advantage. In the rush to be heard, many people miss what other people have to say.
By being quiet and observant, you can be the mediator and synthesizer of meetings. Start to keep an eye on common threads of conversation.
Are two people talking past each other, but trying to say the same thing? Sum up and move the conversation forward. Not only will you play an important role, you will also demonstrate your desire to be involved in the workplace.
Tip 4: Introverts Should Use Their Strengths.
Many introverts are thoughtful. However, they feel uncomfortable and anxious when expressing these thoughts to a group of people.
Go ahead and have a conversation with your boss. Let them know how you find it difficult to make yourself heard, and try to find a solution.
Maybe you find it is easier to express yourself through written communication instead of verbal communication. If this is the case, ask your boss if you could take the minutes. You can document everything that happened and everything that was said, and turn it in through email.
While it may feel like you are at a disadvantage, this is a strength. Using your listening skills is a large contribution to the team. It allows you to bring all the idea together into a cohesive whole. Who knows, maybe taking the minutes gives you the time you need to come back to your boss with a fully thought out solution to a problem.
Tip 5: Introverts Should Socialize With Coworkers.
Making the effort to develop good relationships with your coworkers makes a difference in meetings. Why? Having a strong relationship with someone means they are more willing to listen to you and make time for you to be heard.
This translates into business meetings. As you develop friends in the workplace, you will gain more allies who want to hear what you have to say in meetings.
Yes, it means you have to make an effort to talk to people you don’t know very well. However, it doesn’t mean you have to make friends with everyone all at once.
Start with having lunch with the coworker next door. Build individual relationships one-by-one, and you will start building your voice. Not only will they listen to you, they also might support your ideas in meetings.
Although extraverts usually have the louder voice, introverts can be just as effective. Their thoughtful, observant, and quiet personalities tend to catch details that extraverts miss. While it might be hard for introverts to be heard in tense or loud situations, they counteract this with their quiet performance and effort.
Want to become a more successful introvert in the workplace?
Check out these links.
- Nine Tips To Help Introverted Leaders Succeed In The Workplace
- How Leaders Can Make Sure Introverted Employees Are Heard
- Ten Strategies For Introverts To Excel In The Workplace
- Four Ways Introverts Can Get Heard In Meetings
- “Shy” Leader Knows How to Build Strong Employee Relationships Through Transparency
Copyright TIGERS Success Series Inc. by Izabela Zagorski
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TIGERS® Success Series provides a comprehensive, multi-pronged and robust system for improving both your work environment, profitability and project management team leadership success.
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