Introvert Tips for Communicating with Extroverted Coworkers

As an introvert sometimes I enjoy bringing in guest bloggers as you see on occasion. It’s such an occasion today. I met Sierra on one of my online blog communities. She writes clearly and succinctly. We agreed on the broad topic of – communication in the workplace for introverts: Introvert Tips for Communicating with Extroverted Coworkers.

Most scientists believe introvertedness is a genetic trait. With a little effort though, you can add some extrovert tendencies to your introvert nature in the workplace and fit in well with you more extroverted coworkers. Even though you may have tendencies toward introvertedness, even shyness, do not allow them to keep you from pursuing professional or personal goals. Following are several tips to help you communicate more effectively in the workplace.

Find Your Strengths

Everyone has unique qualities and things they are good at. It is important to know and focus on the things you do well. In the workplace, this is especially true. Working at a job you are good at will improve your self-esteem and allow you to play to your strengths in the workplace.

Focus on Others

Instead of focusing on yourself during conversations with coworkers, focus on what they are saying. Become interesting in learning about them. Ask them questions about themselves. Extroverted people will often find it rude if you don’t reciprocate their interest and make conversation occasionally, so make an effort to reach out to them even if it feels awkward to you.

Practice Social Skills

As with any other skill, social skills can be refined with practice. The more you work at it, the more comfortable you will be the next time. If you have difficulty coming up with how to say things to your coworkers, practice what you want to say with them ahead of time. Extroverted coworkers are the perfect people to learn better social skills from. Observe how they interact with you and others around the office, then reciprocate these friendly gestures.

Make Contact with Others

Each day make it a point to talk with one or two of your coworkers. Whether for a few minutes as you arrive in the morning or in the break room for a snack, each time you make contact, you build rapport with your coworkers. It is important to develop relationships in order to get to better know your coworkers.

Speak Up at Meetings

It is easy for introvert workers to sit during meetings without speaking at all or only when being spoken too. Ask questions to show you are interested. Speak up to let your coworkers know you have helpful ideas.

Make Eye Contact

It is sometimes harder for introverts shy people to make eye contact. But force yourself to look your coworkers in the eye when talking with them. This will give the impression that you are friendly, trustworthy and confident. If you do not make eye contact, your coworkers could think you are being unfriendly or have something to hide.

Remember, with time and practice, you can work toward becoming the friendly, helpful coworker that others enjoy working with. You will feel more confident in both your professional and personal life.

It starts with you using your strengths. What do you think about just mixing in some extroverted tendencies? Does it make sense for you?

This article was contributed by Sierra Miller from Job Descriptions. The introverts out there might suited to some of the careers discussed in her IT job descriptions.