Introverts and Careers

I am an introvert.  However, if you didn't know me well, you really wouldn't know this.  I like being around people.  I contribute to conversations.  I am social, lively, and even sometimes loud.  The only difference between me and extroverts is that 1) I recharge my batteries by disconnecting and 2) I have a preference toward being prepared rather than being asked for information off the cuff.

As I was scanning Twitter this evening, I noticed a tweet that said, "The Day I Stopped Being an Introvert Is the Day My Career Really Started."  That statement really took me aback.  If I were a college student with introverted tendencies, I might think that I needed to change my wiring to succeed.  I was a bit relieved when I went to the linked blog article, "The Day I Stepped Out of My Comfort zone Is the Day My Career Really Started."  That was much better. 

I looked through the article to see if the term "introvert" was utilized again.  It was not.  For that matter, the bottom of the article contained the following message:  "The original title of this article was “The Day I Stopped Being an Introvert Is the Day My Career Really Started.” Unfortunately, we missed the mark here. The headline has since been changed."  Many thanks to the editor for catching this common misconception.

If you are an introvert, do not listen to those who mistake introversion for shyness or incapability.  Instead, realize that your style is to err on the side of preparedness and take a break from the chatter when required.

Some good resources:

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

The Power of the Introvert in Your Office

Introverts:  The Best Leaders for Proactive Employees

Networking Introverts!

I keep coming back to networking - not just its importance, but also its influence on you, your connections and potential connections.  Nothing feels as bad as someone coming to you only because they want your contacts, particularly if you are well connected.   There is nothing wrong with asking for an introduction and most are happy to assist, but we all can sense when we are simply being used.  I must add, the small talk made to get to "the ask" and the fact that the whole production seems rehearsed can be a bit grating to more sensitive types. 

Bottom line, networking is best done when we approach it from from the angle of what we can do for the other - paying it forward.  That builds the sturdiest and most long-lasting bridges.  It is genuine because it requires us to know and give from our position of strength. But, networking is not something that introverts tend to get jazzed about.  So, aside from knowing oneself and listening for opportunities to offer one's assistance to others, what else can introverts do to help them embrace networking?

Lisa Evans writes for Content Loop:

...community groups offer...a chance to be with other people and a chance to learn new things and have fun in ways that aren't socially demanding. 

So, that may be the answer for introverts.  You don't necessarily have to connect with others at meetings meant for networking.  Perhaps you can find opportunities to build genuine bridges doing what you love.  

Read the article, How Introverts Can Network Without Changing Their Personalities.