By: Robin M Wilson
If you listen to the noise, you may be convinced that in order to be successful professionally and in business, you have to be a ‘go-getter’ or have a huge personality. However, some of the world’s most successful people self-identify as introverts. That is: they gather their energy primarily from having alone time rather than constantly engaging in group interactions for prolonged periods of time. Does this sound like you?
Recently, in an interview with Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, author of Together: The Healing Power of Human
Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World, Oprah Winfrey shared that she enjoys her alone time and that she is innately an introvert. For some people, hearing a media powerhouse like Oprah Winfrey proclaim that she is an introvert may have left some questioning her personal assessment. However, I understood Oprah. Like her, I have mastered the art of communicating with people and I thrive in the arts and in business. Still, I find joy in having moments of solitude and time for reflection. This allows me to better process my thoughts and renew my energy.
According to Explore Psychology, deep thinkers enjoy solitude for reflection and often excel in creative and systematic problem-solving. Additionally, they tend to engage in slow, deliberate cognitive processes, exhibit high levels of creativity, analytical skills, and empathy. These are strengths that individuals, especially introverts, have and can bring to the table. Still, how can you succeed professionally as an introvert? Here are some tips to help you navigate social networking and professional spaces.
- Connect one-on-one or in Small Group Settings
Identify individuals within your team who can be allies within your professional space. Connect with them one-on-one or in small group settings to discuss and share ideas that you may not have shared during a collective meeting. Send them an email or invite them to have lunch to intentionally build a working relationship and mutual understanding. You can become a trusted thought leader in your sphere of influence without being the center of attention in large meetings when you are consistent with sharing your knowledge and building meaningful relationships.
- Network Intentionally
When you step into a room, be intentional on who you spend the most time with in a given space.
Listen intentionally to what others have to share and identify common interests that will give you an entry point to a meaningful conversation. Then stay in touch with them. This is a great way to cultivate meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships.
- Set Reasonable Boundaries
The fast pace of modern work spaces is often unavoidable. Still, that does not mean that you cannot have reasonable boundaries in place to prevent burnout or exertion. Strive to organize your life and schedule in such a manner that you are leaving margins for rest and alone time, even if it is simply fifteen to twenty minutes per day. Let your colleagues, friends, and family know what your boundaries are. Then, honor your boundaries and others will learn to do the same. This promotes respect and shared understanding. It also allows you to show up in professional spaces with more energy to give to important projects and the people that you are responsible for leading.
Whether you are a team leader or working in the c-suite, it is possible to be successful as an introvert. You simply have to understand how to maximize your strengths, build genuine and mutually beneficial relationships, and set boundaries to conserve and renew your energy. It sounds simple but it does require intention and practice, especially in our rapidly changing society. Yet it is worth it.
Robin Michelle Wilson is a published children’s author, greeting card designer, multidisciplinary artist, business leader, and an educator. Robin is the owner of Vesey Lane Goods LLC. She serves on the Board of Directors for ARISE Detroit.
