If you’re an introvert, standing up in front of a crowd of people (or even a couple of colleagues) can be a challenge. And it's no wonder, because if you would rather hide under your desk than talk in front of a crowd of people, public speaking can be really nerve-wracking.
As an introvert myself, empowering people to speak up and bring their ideas to the table is something I am hugely passionate about.
Click for more strategies that introverts can use to build their confidence and grow their professional presence.
A recent McKinsey study shows that 40% of employees are thinking of leaving their jobs. What they want isn’t more money or perks but greater appreciation and connection to their jobs.
As companies acknowledge and begin to address this reality about work culture, personality type and communication preference are often overlooked in DEIB strategies, but they are vital to creating work environments that work for everyone. In order to create cultures where employees feel valued and heard, leaders especially need to remember that 30-50% of the population are introverts.
This article offers five strategies leaders can use to be more inclusive and mine the creativity and problem-solving skills of their entire team.
Summer may be over, but the lessons we learn in the water can keep us afloat all year round. That said, learning to communicate is like learning to swim. When you’re starting out, it feels impossible. There’s a lot of flailing and gasping for air and your mind is consumed with fears of drowning.
You might give up before you get the basics down. But if you stick with it, the reward is cool and calming, a peaceful rhythm that propels you forward.
The same goes for communication. Before you get the hang of it, it can feel terrifying for us introverts.
I’m the rare introvert who loves networking. I didn’t always feel this way, but I’ve introduced myself to enough strangers that I no longer find it terrifying.
It’s not because I don’t experience awkward moments (there are plenty), or that I haven’t been pitched services I don’t want (I have) - it’s because I no longer fear the awkward moments.