Introverts at Work

Clearing Work Space

It's not my favorite way to think about it, but business realities can require us to do work that feels unnaturally extraverted -- where we can't be at our best. It's important to make space for ourselves.

Here are a few tips:

• For really important projects, create space to work in solitude and without interruption. Shut off the phone. Use voice mail and e-mail for non-immediate communications, and encourage others to do likewise.
  
• Allow yourself time to process your thoughts. Request written agendas before meetings and, when feasible, find out what the hot issues are so you can consider them in advance.
  
• Spend some time alone before and after presentations, sales calls, and office parties.
  
• Request well-written manuals and other prepared resources for training. Personal on-the-spot training works well with extros, but can be frustrating for intros. As an introvert, you may be an independent learner, and require little supervision.
  
• And most importantly, create solitude time for yourself. If you have an office, close the door from time to time. Take breaks from long meetings. Leave the building for lunch.

Do you have a tip for introvert survival in the workplace? Email me so I can list it on this page!

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