Being an Introvert in an Extrovert’s Workplace

There’s a misconception that extroverts do better in the workplace than introverts. They’re more outspoken, more at ease with people they don’t know, and they know how to sell themselves in an interview. While those advantages may be true for extroverts, that doesn’t mean introverts aren’t valuable members of the workplace. They have just as much chance at success, but with a few challenges.

How do I know this? Because I’m an introvert. My ideal work environment is where I work in a quiet office, isolated from everyone else where I’m left to do my work in peace. Instead, I found myself in the marketing field. One where I was required to attend networking events and be on the phone nearly every day. While it wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do, it was my first salaried job out of college and one I was determined to do well in.

The problem was, I had to mentally prepare myself to make those phone calls, whether to vendors, clients, or potential referral sources for new clients. I had to push myself to attend networking events alone when I knew no one else and would stress over it for hours before the event. It was a challenge, but I soon learned I couldn’t succeed at this job by staying safely behind my desk and issuing emails to everyone.

Employers value extroverts. The decision on who to hire sometimes comes down not to the candidate’s qualifications, but the personality type of the individual. Adam Riccoboni, co-founder of MBA and Company and co-author of The Art of Selling Yourself said, “An important consideration for businesses is how well a candidate fits into the culture of the working environment.”

Starting in the 1990s, there was a big trend for businesses to create an open office space for their workers. The cubicle walls came down and employees were encouraged to sit anywhere, interact with each other, and still get their work done. The idea was that collaboration would inspire new ideas and improve morale. This approach doesn’t exactly work for introverts who like their quiet and their privacy.

With these types of work environments and expectations, you have two options. The first is to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and adapt to your new work environment. If you’re stepping into your first “adult” job after college, you may not have the option to be picky about where you work.

The second option is to embrace being an introvert. In Susan Cain’s book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, she highlights the positive influences introverts can have on their businesses. In it, she gives an example of a lawyer trying to mediate between two clients. As an introvert she listened to both sides, evaluated the situation, and calmly suggested a compromise between the two parties. Ultimately, she was successful in her job without resorting to taken on extrovert qualities she wasn’t comfortable with.

Introverts are often classified as shy people who like to keep to themselves. There’s more to it and every individual is different. Some introverts have no problem speaking up and expressing themselves, but have trouble doing it with others talking over them. Some don’t mind meeting new people, but can’t stand awkward small talk. Each person has their strengths and it’s their responsibility to show these strengths in the workplace.

The important thing to remember is to make sure your employer sees your value. Another misconception is that extroverts will go after what they want and get the promotion while introverts will sit in the background unnoticed. It doesn’t have to be that way. You may not be able to show off your talents the same way as everyone else, but you are able to make yourself noticed. Once you’re employer sees your value and your dedication, being an introvert or extrovert won’t matter.

There may also be luck for introverts in the workplace. The trend is now swinging the other way as the same companies who adopted the open office trend realize that by trying to increase communication, they also increasing distractions. Private office spaces are making a comeback to allow employees to work in a distraction-free environment. Christine Congon of Steelcase in Michigan said, “People have to have places to rejuvenate and absorb and process information.”

Being an introvert doesn’t destroy your chances at success in the workplace, but it does present challenges. Whether you choose to adapt or embrace your work style, you can play a vital role in your business.