When it comes to careers, self-marketing and networking play a major role. Not the greatest strengths of introverts. But that doesn't have to prevent her from pursuing a successful career.
Probably everyone has felt annoyed that the colleague who says something first and loudest gets the attention of the manager and the team - even when what is said is hot air at best. At least as an introvert, this scenario should seem familiar.
HR managers now know that the quieter ones in the team make just as important contributions to success. Despite this, introverts often find it difficult to demand appropriate respect for their achievements.
Introvert, extravert, what is that actually?
Aren't introverts just these shy misfits who quietly hole up in the back row? While extraverts are the sociable mood guns? It's not that easy.
"In short, the extravert draws strength from the company of other people, while the introvert draws strength from being alone," says Sylvia Löhken, who has written several books on the subject. "Nevertheless, both know a need for human closeness and for retreat, but they implement it in different ways."
According to child and adolescent psychotherapist Ralph Schliewenz, this can best be thought of as two poles on a continuum. "All people are somewhere in between."
What influence do introversion and extraversion have on our behavior at work?
The creative power of introverts comes from within, they need time and, in particular, a low-stimulus environment and peace. Extraverts, on the other hand, like to get involved and usually talk a lot, "because they tend to speak in order to think and draw energy from contact with their colleagues," says Petra Lienhop, who specializes in self-marketing as a coach.
That is also the reason why introverts often do not like small talk. They want to go deeper in personal encounters. Small talk, on the other hand, is perfect for extraverts to get going.
"Introverts aren't always emotionally swept up either. They may not be overly enthusiastic about a proposal, but neither are they directly influenced by negative feelings," says Lienhop.
If an introvert and an extrovert colleague are given a tight deadline, the introvert would tend to stay sober and get to work on the task, while the extravert would get upset about it for a long time.
What are typical strengths of introverts?
Introverts are particularly characterized by calm, concentrated work and deep reflection, says Sylvia Löhken: "Analytical thinking, perseverance and independence are strengths of introverts."
In addition, they score with good risk management and empathy. You are good at listening and observing. On the other hand, introverts are often overstimulated by fast-moving work contexts, as they then experience a kind of sensory overload.
How do introverts climb the corporate ladder?
Introverts often don't like to put themselves in the foreground. They would tend to forget their good performance, says Petra Lienhop. "That's why it's good for them to be reminded of their successes by a mentor or colleague or by keeping a success diary."
It is important to use your energy wisely. Where is it worth going outside? This can be a project that introverted employees specifically choose or an event on a topic that they are passionate about. "There they can consciously present themselves and then let their quiet strengths speak for themselves," advises Sylvia Löhken.
