Hello and welcome back to the awfully quiet podcast. I am so happy you're tuning in. This community is growing week by week and I couldn't be more excited to have you here. My name is Hannah and today's episode is. is super close to my heart, especially because it was sparked by this amazing community.

I asked you on Instagram what you'd like me to dive into and misconceptions about introverts like, you know, that we can't be social or outspoken came up a lot. So today we're going to tackle those misconceptions head on specifically in the workplace and bust some of those myths wide open. Now, have you ever been labeled as quiet or too shy?

I'm sure you've been there. Maybe people have even thought you were unfriendly, when really that's the furthest thing from the truth. I have definitely been there. So for me, I've often been seen as unapproachable at work because of how I look when I'm in deep thought or concentrating, when I'm in front of my laptop, deep working and just kind of frowning.

Anyone else have that thinking phase that gets misunderstood? You're definitely in the right place here. So today I'm breaking down what's really going on behind those perceptions, how we're actually feeling and communicating. And you know what? By the end of this, you'll have something to share with your extroverted colleagues to help them understand you a little better, too.

Ready? Let's dive in.

Before we tackle these misconceptions, let's start by defining what it means to be introverted, especially in the context of the workplace. A common misunderstanding is that introverts are shy or socially anxious. But that's not quite right, is it? While some introverts can be shy, Introversion itself is more about how we recharge and where we get our energy.

Extroverts tend to feel energized by socializing and being around people, but introverts recharge by spending time alone or in quieter environments. Now, this doesn't mean that introverts don't like people or can't socialize. It just means we approach social interactions differently. In the workplace, this might show up as needing more time to process thoughts before speaking in a meeting or feeling drained after a full day of networking events.

For me, for example, I thrive in workshop and creative sessions with a lot of people and agency partners in a room. And I can spend a full day socializing, ideating, and I'm even down for an after workshop dinner and drinks. I love that. But, Once I'm back home or the next day, I just need to have some time to recharge and replenish that energy.

In general, and especially when it comes to networking and meeting people, I have realized that I just operate a little differently. I'm more comfortable in smaller, deeper conversations rather than loud crowded spaces. So when it comes to what is introversion really. What I find is actually the best explanation goes back to Carl Jung who initially developed the concept of introversion versus extroversion.

Introversion is an inward focus. Extroversion is an outward focus. Now introverts focus on their inner world and that's where they go to for energy, ideas, knowing what's right or wrong. Introversion And extroverts get that from the external world. So with that out of the way and with that in mind, let's dive into three common misconceptions about introverts in the workplace.

Let's start with one of the biggest misconceptions, that introverts are anti social or unfriendly. I wonder if you've ever been told something like, you don't talk much, do you? Why are you being so awfully quiet? Now for introverts, this can feel extremely frustrating because it's not that we don't like people or we're avoiding socializing at all costs.

It's that we tend to be more selective about when and how we engage. We prefer deeper, meaningful conversations over surface level, small talk. And in a workplace setting, this might mean we're not necessarily the ones chatting around the water cooler or the coffee machine all the time. But when it comes to important one on one conversations or solving problems, that's where introverts can often shine.

I believe we take a lot of time to listen and process, and we think a lot before we speak. And that kind of thoughtful interaction. can actually be incredibly valuable and something that is extremely powerful and also different in the workplace, which is why it is so important for me to stress. If you're an introvert, here's what I want you to remember.

Just because you don't always join in the casual office chat doesn't mean you're any less engaged. You might just prefer to express yourself in different, more intentional ways. And that's perfectly okay. Now, what I often find with, uh, helps me personally is to be really mindful and intentional with my body language.

I know that from the outside, I can often look closed off and unapproachable, especially if I'm focusing on something. So when I'm on a call, for example, I try to Be really mindful about my facial expression, my posture. I try to join with camera on so that people can actually see me. They can see that I'm present.

They can see that I'm not answering emails in the background, and that I'm actually interacting. I'm present. I don't even have to say anything. I think it just shows on a team's call or in a meeting, whether you're actually They're engaged, present or not, and it can actually help a lot to, to be there, to interact, to react to what is happening on the call, to maybe have some, you know, side conversations in the chat.

Anything like that can really help you to bring that social element in without stretching too far out of who you naturally are and how you would naturally behave in an environment like this.

Now onto misconception number two. And this one is my personal nemesis. And it's that introverts don't make good leaders. There is this stereotype that to be an effective leader, you have to be loud, outgoing, and commanding. Essentially, you have to be an extrovert. But here's the thing. Some of the most successful leaders in history have been introverts, and those are examples like Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, or even former President Barack Obama.

These leaders didn't need to be the loudest voice in the room to make a lasting impact. Instead, they leaned into their strength. Reflective thinking, listening to their teams and making thoughtful decisions based on careful consideration. Introverts tend to lead by example through collaboration and empathy.

They create environments where others feel heard and understood. Think about it in a world full of noise, an introverted leader who listens more than they talk. can be a breath of fresh air, can make all the difference. In my corporate career, I've worked with a number of extroverted leaders. And let me tell you this, it can drain a team when the leader is always the first to speak, dominates conversations, or assumes they know what everyone thinks.

And on the other side, I've seen brilliant global leaders who make a huge impact by doing the opposite. They listen first, let others speak up, and then they share their thoughts last. By shining a light on their team, they don't lose influence. In fact, it makes them stand out even more. I believe this is such an underrated leadership hack, is to act like this, is to listen and then speak.

And it's actually something that comes natural to you as an introvert. Now, what I want to leave you with on this one is if you're an introvert who's hesitant to take on leadership roles, remember that your ability to listen deeply and reflect carefully can make you a powerful, effective leader. Now, I know that not everyone wants to be a leader, but if you You feel like you're just intrigued.

You'd love to, you know, you're just intrigued by the idea of going into leadership one day, but you currently feel held back by those misconceptions. And because you're a little quieter, I would even go as far as to say that you're currently doing your company, your organization, your future organization, and your future self a disservice by not doing it.

Because you have something valuable to give, you have a great personality to leverage. You have something that the corporate world is missing and you're holding it back. So think about that. Another misconception is that introverts aren't team players. This one really gets me because introverts can be incredibly valuable team members.

We just operate a little differently. Now, in a group setting. What you might notice is that introverts tend to hang back at first. They absorb information and listen. But don't mistake that quietness for disengagement. Introverts often need to take their time to process ideas and come up with what they want to say and what they want to contribute.

Where extroverts might think on their feet and jump into the conversation quickly Introverts might just prefer to reflect a little bit more before they share their input. Now, this one is really, really important because there is so much power in that when you hold that space and give them that space, because introverts thrive going inward and spending some time there.

It leads to some of the best creative solutions. new and fresh perspectives that might otherwise go unheard. So please hold that space, offer them that space and they will speak up and they will share their perspectives, their ideas, their input when they're ready. What I also think is actually really important as an exercise for you and your team is to spend a little bit of time understanding each other's personalities and preferences.

Whenever I join a new team, I am quite upfront about how I communicate and how I work best. Now, as an introvert, I always recommend you set clear boundaries and let people know how you want to be brought in and communicated with. Now I'm going to give you a candid example. Because I often get overwhelmed by the sheer number of emails and messages I get on the daily.

I often feel like it takes away from my productivity. It takes away from, you know, getting actual work done. And so, There is nothing worse for me than being reached out to and getting a message that says, got two minutes, do you have time for a quick call? Can I call you real quick? It just drives me crazy.

And my team knows that because I told them that. I'd rather they reach out to me and say exactly what they need so I can figure out if it is really urgent. Most of the time it's not. And you know that those two minutes can easily become a 30 minute call. So I can assess whether it's urgent or if it'll take more time.

And that way it's just a lot more effective for me. And my team also knows how to reach out to me. And at the end of the day, I believe that it's that understanding between the team. It's, it's understanding how somebody wants to be communicated with, wants to be brought in. That actually makes a team thrive.

And you know, as much as I do, that excellent teams will always consist of a mix of different personalities, a mix of different dynamics. So what I want you to do as an introvert is don't just adapt to the extroverts in the room and on your team embrace. that you bring a unique value that helps the team thrive.

Don't just hide it, but show up as your full self, as your full personality, own up to it, embrace it. And that's actually what makes you a great team player in the first place. So now that we've busted some of those common misconceptions about introverts, I want to talk about what workplaces can actually do to better support us.

Now, if you're a manager or maybe your introvert colleagues sent you this episode, here are a few ways you can help create a more introvert friendly environment. Number one is to offer quiet workspaces. Introverts tend to thrive in quieter settings where they can really focus. Now, if possible, create spaces where people can step away from the office noise or even better, let them work from home.

Honestly, I can't believe we're still having to say this. Number two is allow some time to reflect. In meetings, give introverts a moment to think before expecting a response. Even sending out agendas ahead of time can make a huge difference. It gives them time to gather their thoughts and come in prepared.

I think this is a real game changer. And number three is to value and appreciate written communication. Not everyone is great at spontaneous conversation and a lot of introverts prefer sharing their ideas in writing, whether through email or chat, whatever it is. And this lets them process and express their thoughts more clearly.

Now for my fellow introverts, don't wait for the workplace to magically adapt to your needs. Speak up for yourself, advocate for what helps you work best. Whether that's more time to think before answering a question or needing a quieter space to concentrate. It's really important for you to take away that your preferences are valid and it's important to voice them.

Remember the strength that you bring to the workplace, your creativity, your focus and deep thinking. They're super, super valuable. They are different and it's what's desperately needed in the workplace and moving forward into the future. for listening. And when your work environment supports those strengths, you're more likely to thrive.

So to wrap up, let's quickly recap the three common misconceptions about introverts in the workplace we covered today. Number one is introverts aren't antisocial. They just prefer meaningful connections. Number two, and let's write it on the walls, introverts can be excellent leaders. They are thoughtful, empathetic, and reflective.

And number three, Introverts are valuable team players. They bring deep focus, creativity, and fresh perspectives to the table. Now, if you're an introvert, remember this, you bring something truly unique and essential to your workplace. Do not let these misconceptions hold you back from thriving in your career.

And if you're an extrovert working with introverts, Thank you for listening. I love this. I truly appreciate this. I hope this episode helped shift your perspective on some of our natural introvert behaviors and showed you the power of letting us operate in the way that works best for us. Thank you so much for tuning into this episode.

If today's conversation resonated with you, I'd love for you to share it with a friend, your rating or even better. a review on Apple podcasts. I'd also love if you tag at awfully quiet podcast on Instagram. It really helps more people join the conversation for us to grow as a community. Thank you for tuning in and see you next time.