How to empower introverts in the workplace
Leadership and success are often equated with being extroverted – they are for people who enjoy being seen and heard. But what if that’s not you? How should introverts navigate this era of noise, and what can we do to ensure their voices rise above it all?
Introverts come in many guises. World-famous actor Emma Watson says she is one. Microsoft founder Bill Gates and former US president Barack Obama have also both been described that way. But they are all so high profile and seemingly so far removed from the archetypal introvert we all think of – someone who hates the limelight.
Of course, being an introvert is not the same as being shy and is not about being antisocial. It is a personality type that has become somewhat misunderstood. Broadly speaking, it is about needing time alone to have moments of quiet thought. Introverts can find energy in themselves rather than other people, and often, they have quiet confidence rather than the need for constant plaudits and cheerleaders.
Great leaders
Executive leadership coach John Burt believes that introverts have the potential to be great leaders and colleagues because of these qualities. In a LinkedIn essay, he writes, "They dare to be themselves while recognising the value of others and their contributions. People pick up on that, appreciate it, and are naturally attracted to the charisma of a self-assured leader."
Indeed, something is reassuring about people who pause to think before expressing an opinion. Introverts are often more self-aware and observant than their outgoing counterparts. Unfortunately, though, many modern offices are not set up for them. Background noise, large numbers of people, and having to make phone calls while feeling like you're being overheard—can be exhausting and inhibiting.
Working style
However, plenty can be done to help introverts reach their full potential at work, and often, it comes down to enabling the proper set-up. Career coach Patricia Ezechie suggests that people should understand their individual working styles to succeed. "Our working style is how we like to work best," she says. "It is how we approach our day-to-day tasks and projects, work with others, and solve problems to do our best work."
That could mean that an introvert might need time away from the company headquarters in favour of some concentrated work hours at a flexspace closer to home. It could also mean they want to book a quiet workplace or find a desk in a corner where they feel they are unnoticed. As Ezechie adds: “I always suggest one of the first things to do when you join a new organisation, especially as an introvert, is to identify the quiet thinking spaces in the building … Find them and use them.”
Quiet time
We all need some quiet time at some point, though, whatever personality type we think we have. As Dr Lauren Theresa, a psychology professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, says: "It is typical for a vast percentage of us to experience both introverted and extroverted qualities. I personally love the buzz of a social setting such as being out dancing, but I know that I need a good deal of time afterwards to decompress in solitude."
“Successful workplaces have to offer that variety to enable everyone to feel comfortable, inspired, and energised – all those things that can make an employee great. Bookable rooms with technology and furniture that are agile and movable enable people to personalise their space to suit”, says Joanne Bushell, MD, IWG Plc., South Africa.
Have great meetings
Running structured meetings is one of the best ways to empower an introvert. Writing in Psychology Today, Allison Abrams notes that our "culture disproportionately values loudness, often mistaking it for intelligence." Structure means everyone gets to speak up without shouting the loudest (this isn't The Apprentice). Whether you are meeting in person or remotely, understanding that people have different communication styles is essential.
“So it’s time to celebrate the introvert, in all of their brilliance, because their potential is mighty. They just need the right space to be able to flourish”, Bushell adds.
About International Workplace Group PLC
International Workplace Group is the global leader in hybrid work solutions and workspace brands. We create personal, financial, and strategic value for businesses of every size, from some of the most exciting companies and well-known organizations on the planet to individuals and the next generation of industry leaders. All of them harness the power of IWG's hybrid working platform to increase their productivity, efficiency, agility, and market proximity.
International Workplace Group's unrivalled network coverage includes approximately 4,000 locations across more than 120 countries, and 83% of Fortune 500 companies are amongst our growing customer base. Through our brands including Regus, Spaces, HQ and Signature, we help millions of people and their businesses to work more productively. We do so by providing the world's leading hybrid work platform with professional, inspiring and collaborative workspaces and digital services, all available via the International Workplace Group app.
For more information visit: www.iwgplc.com
