This skill sets successful introverts apart from most other people
Introverts can succeed without having to act like extroverts, according to Jevonya Allen, author of “The Introvert’s Guide to Becoming a Master Networker.” In fact, the most successful introverts excel by avoiding extrovert-friendly situations altogether and establishing an environment where they can contribute more comfortably. This approach can be applied to almost any workplace and social situation.
Allen suggests that introverts should understand how they present themselves and tailor their environment to their needs. For example, if a job environment does not align with their comfort level, introverts should consider other job opportunities. If a team expects introverts to speak up, they can discuss submitting their thoughts in writing with their boss, instead.
To navigate social situations as an introvert, former Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer developed a strategy to manage events and social gatherings that made her feel uneasy. She set a time limit and stuck to it. If the event was still uncomfortable at that time, she would leave.
To better understand themselves, Allen suggests taking online personality tests such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which assesses introverted tendencies and a DiSC assessment for communication preferences. The accuracy of these tests has been debated over the years, but Allen argues that using the results as tools for self-discovery can help introverts find the best path forward.
FAQs:
Q: Do introverts need to act like extroverts to succeed?
A: No, introverts can succeed by avoiding extrovert-friendly situations and building environments that align with their comfort level.
Q: How can introverts navigate job environments that do not align with their comfort level?
A: Introverts can consider other job opportunities that align better with their preference. If they are already in a job, they can discuss submitting their thoughts in writing rather than speaking up with their boss.
Q: How can introverts manage uncomfortable social situations?
A: Introverts can establish a time limit for events and social gatherings and leave if they are still uncomfortable at that time.
Q: How can introverts better understand themselves?
A: Introverts can take online personality tests such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and a DiSC assessment for communication preferences.
The skill sets that distinguish successful introverts from the majority of people
Introverts don’t have to adopt extroverted traits to be successful, according to Jevonya Allen, author of “The Introvert’s Guide to Becoming a Master Networker” and a self-described introvert. Rather, successful introverts often avoid extrovert-friendly situations and create comfortable environments where they can contribute. This tactic can be applied in the workplace by having a private conversation with a manager to discuss the introvert’s preferred contributions, promotion of written communication, and suggested scenarios to avoid. Famed introvert and former Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer also developed her own strategies to navigate social situations, including a tactic to look at her watch and delay leaving until a designated time. Allen recommended using online personality tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to determine one’s introverted tendencies and the DiSC assessment to understand how to communicate with others. Although these tests have raised controversy over their scientific validity, Allen suggested using the results as informational tools to guide one’s path forward.