Introverts quietly can make big impact
By Laura Raines
AJC.com
June 21, 2009
At age 12, Bob Goodyear, now a technical product manager for global software and services corporation Symantec, had to research careers and write a report about one he’d like to do.
He skimmed past booklets on doctors and lawyers to find one on computer programmers. He was excited to find a career where he didn’t have to work with people.
“I could work with something that didn’t talk back,” he said. “Do you think that was a clue that I’m an introvert?”
If not, his reaction to the college curriculum for computer science should have been. He had no problem with the calculus and physics. The public speaking course terrified him. In time, Goodyear made the transition from programming to a high-profile product management position where he presents at conferences and meets with clients all over the world.
“I credit Jennifer Kahnweiler with helping me to find some good coping mechanisms for managing my introverted qualities,” he said. “Understanding introversion helped me recognize my strengths and strategize before situations that make me uncomfortable.”
Preferring to listen and process, he still doesn’t brainstorm well, but if asked for his thoughts, his co-workers have learned that they will be thoughtful — and may lead the discussion in a new, productive direction.
“Introverts can be very successful leaders,” said Kahnweiler, an Atlanta-based executive coach, professional speaker and author of The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength.
“But there is no doubt that they have a tougher time in the extroverted business world. In my 2 1/2 years of research, four out of five introverted professionals said that extroverts are more likely to get ahead where they work. The good news is that introversion can be managed — and that’s a must-do in the current recession because being ‘out there’ is vital to finding or keeping a job.”
According to the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator test that describes personality differences, introverts get their energy from time alone; extroverts get their energy from being around other people. “Introverts think first and talk later. They’re more reserved, show less facial expression, focus on depth rather than breadth and aren’t always easy to read,” Kahnweiler said.
“Being good listeners, and thought-processors make them strong leaders, but other characteristics may hold them back.”
Being aware of the following challenges may help introverts navigate through today’s rough business climate.
- “Introverts tend to undersell themselves,” Kahnweiler said. “Careers are made or broken by what people know about you. If your boss is the only one who knows what you are doing, you may be working harder, not smarter.” Kahnweiler suggests giving reports more often, mentoring professionals on other teams and telling them about your work and copying relevant people on e-mails about work progress or accomplishments. In short, do more marketing and networking.
“You have to educate your stakeholders,” she said.
Goodyear noticed that he often undervalued himself on job reviews. “I hated tooting my own horn, but managers often raised my ratings. My advice is that you’re probably better than you think. Allow yourself to express it. It will build confidence.”
- “Introverts often suffer from people exhaustion,” said Kahnweiler, “but not keeping up your social and professional network in today’s climate can hurt you.”
Overwhelmed by too many office meetings, conferences and business lunches? Schedule some breaks in your day.
“Come in early to be alone or stay late to process your thoughts,” Kahnweiler said. “Use e-mail or social media to stay in contact with people — introverts prefer writing to talking — and have a game plan for social functions. Know who you want or need to meet. Research them beforehand. It will be easier to start a conversation.”
- “Introverts don’t show much facial expression,” she said. “If you’re not showing emotion, people will project their own emotions onto you, or wonder what you’re up to,” Kahnweiler said. Practice smiling, nodding or making eye contact more often.
- "Introverts generally don’t enjoy office politics,” Kahnweiler said, but understanding what’s going on in your organization and who the influential players are can help you manage your career.
- “Introverts are better listeners than talkers,” Kahnweiler said. “Play to this strength. Workers want to be heard today. There’s so much stress and pressure at work. They need leaders who can listen, exude calm and give thoughtful responses.”
Related articles:
Shy? 10 Tips for Introverted Job Seekers
The Introverted Leader
Related blog:
The Introverted Leader Blog
By Laura Raines
AJC.com
June 21, 2009
At age 12, Bob Goodyear, now a technical product manager for global software and services corporation Symantec, had to research careers and write a report about one he’d like to do.
He skimmed past booklets on doctors and lawyers to find one on computer programmers. He was excited to find a career where he didn’t have to work with people.
“I could work with something that didn’t talk back,” he said. “Do you think that was a clue that I’m an introvert?”
If not, his reaction to the college curriculum for computer science should have been. He had no problem with the calculus and physics. The public speaking course terrified him. In time, Goodyear made the transition from programming to a high-profile product management position where he presents at conferences and meets with clients all over the world.
“I credit Jennifer Kahnweiler with helping me to find some good coping mechanisms for managing my introverted qualities,” he said. “Understanding introversion helped me recognize my strengths and strategize before situations that make me uncomfortable.”
Preferring to listen and process, he still doesn’t brainstorm well, but if asked for his thoughts, his co-workers have learned that they will be thoughtful — and may lead the discussion in a new, productive direction.
“Introverts can be very successful leaders,” said Kahnweiler, an Atlanta-based executive coach, professional speaker and author of The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength.
“But there is no doubt that they have a tougher time in the extroverted business world. In my 2 1/2 years of research, four out of five introverted professionals said that extroverts are more likely to get ahead where they work. The good news is that introversion can be managed — and that’s a must-do in the current recession because being ‘out there’ is vital to finding or keeping a job.”
According to the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator test that describes personality differences, introverts get their energy from time alone; extroverts get their energy from being around other people. “Introverts think first and talk later. They’re more reserved, show less facial expression, focus on depth rather than breadth and aren’t always easy to read,” Kahnweiler said.
“Being good listeners, and thought-processors make them strong leaders, but other characteristics may hold them back.”
Being aware of the following challenges may help introverts navigate through today’s rough business climate.
- “Introverts tend to undersell themselves,” Kahnweiler said. “Careers are made or broken by what people know about you. If your boss is the only one who knows what you are doing, you may be working harder, not smarter.” Kahnweiler suggests giving reports more often, mentoring professionals on other teams and telling them about your work and copying relevant people on e-mails about work progress or accomplishments. In short, do more marketing and networking.
“You have to educate your stakeholders,” she said.
Goodyear noticed that he often undervalued himself on job reviews. “I hated tooting my own horn, but managers often raised my ratings. My advice is that you’re probably better than you think. Allow yourself to express it. It will build confidence.”
- “Introverts often suffer from people exhaustion,” said Kahnweiler, “but not keeping up your social and professional network in today’s climate can hurt you.”
Overwhelmed by too many office meetings, conferences and business lunches? Schedule some breaks in your day.
“Come in early to be alone or stay late to process your thoughts,” Kahnweiler said. “Use e-mail or social media to stay in contact with people — introverts prefer writing to talking — and have a game plan for social functions. Know who you want or need to meet. Research them beforehand. It will be easier to start a conversation.”
- “Introverts don’t show much facial expression,” she said. “If you’re not showing emotion, people will project their own emotions onto you, or wonder what you’re up to,” Kahnweiler said. Practice smiling, nodding or making eye contact more often.
- "Introverts generally don’t enjoy office politics,” Kahnweiler said, but understanding what’s going on in your organization and who the influential players are can help you manage your career.
- “Introverts are better listeners than talkers,” Kahnweiler said. “Play to this strength. Workers want to be heard today. There’s so much stress and pressure at work. They need leaders who can listen, exude calm and give thoughtful responses.”
Related articles:
Shy? 10 Tips for Introverted Job Seekers
The Introverted Leader
Related blog:
The Introverted Leader Blog
