Contrary to what some may believe I’m an introvert. I come across as extroverted to certain people especially at work. But it hasn’t always been that way! I was previously (and sometimes still) that girl who didn’t like to speak up during meetings, who despised public speaking and who was scared to reach out when I needed help.
However, to thrive in your workplace, you can’t stay in the shadows. Here are a few things I have done and continue to do to bring my best self to work!
1.Work on Fear of Public Speaking
Does giving a presentation scare you? Or starting small talk with a superior? Those used to scare me! Then I decided to join Toastmasters! Toastmasters taught me that we are all people with our various insecurities. My struggle may not be your struggle but it’s still a struggle, nonetheless. I was taught how to have impromptu conversations, lead presentations, provide feedback, and more!
Identifying this fear was recognizing that I had a weakness, and who likes to think themselves as ‘weak’ but I realized that working on a weakness only meant I was strong, because
Only strong people would gather the courage to face something that they feared!
What are you scared of? Write them down and start working on them individually, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I guarantee you will experience change in these area(s).
2.Challenge Yourself to Speak Up in Meetings
Hunnie! You don’t want to go for a meeting and just occupy space or burn internet bandwidth! (if your meetings are virtual). You want to be memorable, as this helps build valuable connections in the long run. So what I try to do in every meeting I’m not leading is, push myself to contribute to the conversation. This can be done by:
- Asking a question: As an introvert we have a lot of our conversations in our heads, what would happen if you consciously picked out a thought/question you had and shared it with the group? Chances are someone else is probably thinking that, and are too shy to bring it up as well!
- Building on Other’s Points: In meeting rooms I have noticed that people simply regurgitate what someone else had said but use ‘English Grammar’ to throw their own twist to it!. And I’m thinking- I could have totally said that! And yes you can!
When someone throws an idea out there, what are your thoughts on the idea? It may not be popular opinion, but it deserves to be heard, because someone else can build on your idea and the group can reach a decision! Your contribution matters.
3.Be Yourself
There’s only 1 you out there, I can try to be you but I will only be a copy. When the original makes an update, it’s not reflected on the copy so I’m stuck just being a copy!!
The solution to this is to stop trying to be like everyone else and just be you! How do you do this? Focus your strengths! Use them to your advantage! I come across as extroverted at work because I am friendly and have a genuine interest in life outside of work. So, I like to have conversations around kids, mum life, holiday plans, restaurants to try out etc. When you start up having a regular human conversation with someone, it totally helps you get less tense and chat with them like a peer.
Don’t be afraid to be yourself, chances are your boss probably has the same interests as you and that could be your common ground!
4.Be Transparent
No one likes to admit when they’re in the wrong. But being transparent to the RIGHT people about an area I was struggling with has helped me tremendously. They helped me develop actionable steps to improve and kept me accountable. Who is your confidant at work?
5.Keep Improving Yourself
I love professional development! What are those trainings you need to take? Request for them, and if you’re turned down, save up to get yourself trained hunnie! Keep yourself updated on industry news; this can help you contribute to conversations!
Other resources that I use are podcasts, here are some of my favorite educational ones:
- Mastering Business Analysis
- Life Kit NPR
- NPR Planet Money
- Confident & Killing It with Tiwalola
Are you an introvert? What tips have helped you in your workplace? Share them below!
Thanks for reading!
God Bless you Tremendously
Akhere
Photos:pexel.com
