2019Introverts typically harness their energy and maximize their productivity in quiet work environments. So, how does an introvert make it in the bustling business world? Surely, introverts cannot thrive in an environment of constant interaction. After all, introverts are better suited for working at home, with nothing but the family dog to act as an agent of social interaction. However, introverts comprise a vital part of successful small businesses, as it takes all kinds to create dynamic work environments. Although constant stimulation and social interaction wear on introverts at work can take several steps to survive in the workplace.
Find Your Rabbit Hole
Introverts need workspaces where they can disappear like rabbits that burrow into a hole in the ground. Work environments that produce excessive noise distract the most focused introverts at work. Anyone who needs quiet work environments should search for conference rooms or other workspaces that no other employee frequents. Solitude helps increase the productivity of introverts, just as a chaotic environment increases the productivity of extroverted workers. Ask your manager about using an available room to work in peace.
Avoid the Loner Tag
Introverts at work tend to get tagged with the loathsome term “Loner,” as if they live in a self-made shack deep in the wilderness. One way to shed the loner tag is to check in with co-workers throughout the day. Although you may want to wave away a co-worker who greets you in the morning, the best approach to surviving in the workplace involves taking the time and most importantly, making the sincere effort to walk around the office to say hello to your colleagues. This way to survive for introverts at work eventually turns forced social interaction into something that unfolds naturally.
Do What It Takes to Avoid Meetings
Introverts can take their propensity for wanting solitude and turn it into one of mankind’s greatest achievements: Reduce the number of workplace meetings. Meetings represent the worst environment for introverts who either have nothing to say or prefer to say nothing at all. They tremble when the discussion becomes a roundtable forum that requires their input. Introverts at work must come with creative ways to avoid workplace meetings, even if that means getting medical clearance from the family doctor.
Introverts Make Great Leaders
Introverts at work survive when they take the mantle of leadership. Some of the greatest leaders kept to themselves. Do you think Gandhi was a rah-rah guy? The quiet, determined motivation of introverted leaders blends nicely with outspoken fellow workers. Many workplace studies confirm that introverts at work who lead deliver better results than the results delivered by extroverted, hands-on managers.
Introverts at work don’t have to react like lepers on a deserted island. They bring many positive attributes to the workplace, including the ability to blend in seamlessly with more outgoing employees. However, even introverts at work need time to recharge their batteries. When you start feeling overwhelmed at work, give your introverted personality some time to recharge by taking breaks throughout your workday.
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