Introverts, here’s how you can succeed in the workplace

Perhaps your quiet demeanour at work has been misinterpreted as a lack of enthusiasm. Or maybe you’ve encountered the frustration of being overlooked for a promotion because you don’t shout out your wins as much as your extroverted colleagues, and thus your accomplishments have gone unnoticed by senior leadership.

The workplace can often seem like a labyrinth of social interactions, challenges, and competing priorities. For introverts who find solace in introspection and quietude, navigating this terrain can be particularly daunting. The quiet demeanour of introverts might also be misconstrued as disinterest or lack of enthusiasm, further complicating their interactions in team settings.

In today’s fast-paced and remote-oriented work culture, being “out of sight” can inadvertently lead to being “out of mind”, potentially hindering opportunities for growth and recognition. Moreover, the prevalence of extroverted personalities within teams can amplify feelings of being overlooked or misunderstood, making it feel like an uphill battle for introverts to assert themselves.

Understanding introverts in the workplace

According to American author and speaker Susan Cain, the author behind the award-winning book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, introverts tend to have more quiet and introspective natures, and often seek solitude to recharge.

Their inclination for deep analysis results in a need for more time to process outside input, enabling them to make well-considered decisions. Additionally, introverts demonstrate great concentration and the ability to focus on one task at a time, which often leads to a preference for working independently.

Despite these characteristics, many misunderstandings persist about introversion, particularly in the workplace. One common misconception is that introverts are antisocial or unfriendly.

However, as Ruchi Parekh, a career and life coach, points out, this is untrue: “Introverts simply gain energy from solitude and reflection, and don’t need constant social interaction. They can be excellent listeners and have strong interpersonal skills honed through observation.”

“I’m good at most aspects of my job, but I’m not the most outgoing person. As much as I love my job, it’s frustrating that so much of my industry is made up of big personalities who feel comfortable shouting about their achievements,” admits Kate*, a public relations executive.

“There’s nothing wrong with those people who are more confident. I just feel like those who are quietly working in the background and executing campaigns often get overlooked, compared to those who are more open and loud.”

Another common misunderstanding is that introverts don’t make for good leaders or team players, says Ruchi. “In reality, introverted leaders excel at strategic thinking, fostering focused discussions, and empowering team members. They can be highly collaborative, offering thoughtful contributions after careful consideration.”

Standing up for yourself

You don’t have to have a loud, outgoing personality to make your mark. One can always adopt a quieter approach to visibility that builds on strengths such as deep thinking, attentiveness, and the ability to forge strong one-on-one connections. The most important thing is to, of course, stand up for oneself.

“Self-advocacy is a crucial skill for anyone in the workplace. While introverted professionals may naturally prefer to work independently, and may not be as comfortable with self expression, they can still excel by leveraging their unique strengths.

“It is important to understand that self-advocacy doesn’t necessarily mean being the loudest voice in the room. Instead, it involves confidently expressing their ideas, skills and accomplishments in a manner that aligns with their personality and strengths,” says Pooja Chhabria, a career expert at Linkedin.

Kate reveals that while she’s still trying to learn how to excel in the workplace with her introverted nature, she has learnt that it’s not about changing who she is as a person, but rather understanding how to leverage her introversion to excel in any setting. For example, rather than forcing herself to entertain large groups at events where she quickly feels overwhelmed, she focuses on smaller, more intimate gatherings where she can engage in meaningful conversations.

Networking: Online and offline

Networking is often a challenge for introverts, who may find the prospect of meeting numerous strangers in unfamiliar settings daunting. However, by avoiding connections with individuals who could offer valuable career support, introverts may inadvertently hinder their own progress.

“Networking exposes one to diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences that can contribute to one’s professional growth,” says Jaelle Ang, founder and CEO of co-working offices The Great Room, and a self-professed introvert.

“I believe that learning from field experts, rather than from secondary sources, can really super- charge one’s knowledge base and street smarts, while sharpening one’s edge.”

Many might think that meaningful networking occurs mainly at large events or conferences, but Jaelle disagrees. As an introvert herself, she often finds herself “drawn to one-to-one interactions of small group settings”.

“[To start] I often volunteer something deep, meaningful or even vulnerable about myself, and people would respond to that. I prioritise quality over quantity, focusing on building genuine, meaningful relationships that can lead to long-term partnerships or collaborations,” she shares.

Jaelle suggests that introverts can enhance their comfort and confidence in networking by discovering shared interests with others. Additionally, she advises adding a unique perspective, story or value to make a lasting impression. Rather than feeling obligated to consistently discuss oneself, prioritising attentive listening and asking insightful questions can be remarkably effective.

This approach not only alleviates the need for constant self-promotion, but also constitutes an underappreciated charm offensive. “I’ve observed introverted individuals excel in networking by demonstrating active listening skills and authenticity.

Their genuine interest in others and ability to empathise create meaningful connections that go beyond small talk.”

For introverts uncomfortable with face-to-face interactions, online platforms such as Linkedin offer an invaluable alternative, enabling them to hone communication skills and engage with professionals at their own pace.

“Look for common interests or shared experiences when connecting with others – whether it’s a passion for a particular industry or a shared hobby, finding common ground can help foster genuine connections and make networking feel more natural,” says Pooja. “Take advantage of these platforms to connect with like-minded professionals, join relevant groups that interest you, and engage in meaningful one-on-one discussions at your own pace.”

Creating an inclusive environment

As much as introverts should work hard to advocate for themselves, it’s equally crucial for companies and managers to cultivate an environment where they can thrive. Establishing a workplace culture that values and empowers introverts demands proactive measures from companies and managers.

For example, at the Reproductive Evolution Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science at National University of Singapore, assistant professor Nalini Puniamoorthy has fostered an environment where she actively encourages more introverted researchers to speak up.

“In our lab, deadlines for experiments, data analyses and manuscripts are discussed together with members in the open during weekly lab meetings. We take a hybrid approach with both in-person attendance and a reoccurring Zoom link for remote access.

Every single member, including students and temporary staff, is given an opportunity to provide updates and/or raise concerns,” she shares.

Offering tailored appreciation and recognition for introverts’ achievements, while considering their preferred modes of acknowledgment, can also contribute to a workplace where all team members feel supported, empowered, and motivated to excel.

“Every time someone joins our team (even if it is for a short-term project), we encourage them to present their proposal, and even their predicted results, during our weekly lab meetings,” says Prof Nalini. “This allows them to talk to others and bounce off ideas even before embarking on the project. I hope this gives every member agency and ownership over the research work that they intend to do.”

Fostering an environment where introverts can thrive requires a concerted effort from both individuals and organisations. By valuing diverse communication styles, offering tailored support and recognition, and providing opportunities for meaningful participation, companies and managers can create inclusive workplaces where every team member feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

Embracing these principles not only benefits introverts, but also enriches the overall culture of collaboration, creativity, and innovation within the organisation. “My biggest advice would be to first identify the strengths and challenges of individual team members. Create smaller projects where people with different skill sets can work together to build confidence and rapport,” says Prof Nalini.

“I try my best to embody the attitude that I expect from my lab members: respect, integrity, and diligence. In addition, as a lab, we often go on nature hikes and have food outings. All this facilitates team building and social interactions. My hope is that those who join our lab enjoy their work and the people they work with.”

*Name has been changed