Picture the scene.
You’re sitting in your office, and you’re getting on with your work. You could be writing a report, crunching some numbers or bashing out email after email, making sure you’re doing a good job. You hope your hard work is recognised by your boss, but you don’t think so – they’re too busy, they’ve got no time for you…and you just want to be noticed.
Sound familiar?
Believe it or not it’s a feeling felt by most workers, not just introverted people. However, what is clear is that most introverted people don’t feel comfortable showing off. They don’t feel comfortable telling their boss “how great they are”. But you don’t need to do either to show your boss your skills. Here’s five simple things you can do to get ahead at work without much effort.
#1 – Have a positive attitude!
The first and most important point here is to keep a positive attitude at work. With so many people going to work each day with a horrible attitude you can stand out if you go about your day positively. Be prompt, or even early, and you’ll show you’re committed without saying a word. Dress smartly, and you’ll show you care about yourself and how you represent your work. Be diligent and hit deadlines and sign-off your emails with thanks. You don’t need to buy your boss’s affections – just do your job well and with style.
#2 – Make the most of meetings
Most 360 degree feedback surveys show that the introverted personality style dislikes the impromptu. As such, company or client meetings can be very daunting – yet they’re an essential part of working life. However, you don’t need to show off in them if you do some planning. Take some time to write down what you will say so that you are clear about your message and goals. If there’s a meeting agenda, study it. Work out who will be in the meeting and what they’re objectives will be. If you can head off their points with some well-reasoned arguments, you’ll shine without showing off.
#3 – Be the peacemaker
Workplaces put people together from all different backgrounds, so its no surprise that arguments often happen. You can use your skills in listening to help resolve disputes between people when they happen and be the peacemaker. According to employee surveys, introverts are great at listening to both sides of an argument and assessing things internally. With your calm head you can resolve problems and stop them escalating to your boss – they’ll be thankful for it.
#4 – Take on the newbie
Whilst extraverts love the spotlight, introverts are often the opposite. Rather than hog the limelight, they like nothing more than to share in success. This type of trait is perfect for developing others, getting them to come up with ideas and allowing them to take on more responsibility and really develop. How useful is that for your boss when they hire a new person? Rather than shy away from them, drop your boss an email – or even better speak to them – and ask if you can help develop their skills.
#5 – Social media success
With the rise of social media and popularity of Facebook and Twitter, more and more businesses are getting involved. Social media is a great way for businesses to boost their brand awareness, give good customer service, show off new products and direct people to its website. What better way than to suggest to your boss that your business get involved and you take on the management? It’ll help you become the ‘online face’ of the business, without having to shout from the rooftops. And the more friends, followers and maybe sales you get, the more your boss will be pleased!
by Guest Blogger ETSplc
I think this is perhaps one of the best posts on introversion in the workplace I’ve read. I love it Patricia!!!!
Interesting that I just came from an event at which senior executives from Deloitte and Goldman Sachs discussed cultivating mentors and sponsors to advance your career. They all said, without exception, that just putting your head down and doing the work is not enough. Even a positive attitude isn’t enough. You’ve got to be sure you make the people in your organization who are important to your success aware of your accomplishments.
You don’t have to shout it from the rooftops but you’d better find a way within your own style and comfort zone. Even introverts want to get ahead in business.
I really haven’t met many people who would rather stay at a position without some chance of promotion – whether it’s in the role, the title or the money. And it’s terrific that this particular message – to show yourself off without showing off your ability to your boss -is actually being talked about BY the bosses! Thanks for your comment!
Can I add a #6? Volunteering for projects no one else is willing to do and do them well. I found I always had someone step up to help when they thought I couldn’t handle the project and were pleasantly surprised when I did. For an introvert, might be as easy as pulling the boss aside and offering.
Hi Pat,
Can I add a #6? How about volunteering for a job or project no one else wants to do. You don’t have to do it in front of everyone at a meeting, but go to your boss in private. Great way to get noticed.
Theresa 😎
Can I add #6? Volunteer for tasks you like to do but other may not, even if it may be a stretch for you. Often others will come to your rescue to help since you are leading the effort.