Add to this the various meetings that crop up on a daily basis, and the staff reviewsIf you – like a significant percentage of the human population – are an introvert, you probably find it hard to get by in what should be ordinary, everyday situations.
Places such as the office can be daunting and stressful when you have a timid demeanour; however, rest assured that you are not alone and that many around you will have adopted their own method of coping with the anxiety of going to work.
Signs that you are an introvert
If people expressing their opinions freely and candidly around the office makes you feel a little uncomfortable, and you wish you had the courage to say what you think, the chances are that you are just not like them.
Introverts normally prefer to carefully consider what they want to say and will usually prefer to do so in writing; unfortunately for them, many important stages of a professional career rely on them being expressive on a one-to-one basis, such as the interview for a start.
Add to this the various meetings that crop up on a daily basis, and the staff reviews, and there are many circumstances to feel nervous about.
How to battle your shyness
The truth of the matter is that the general workplace is geared up towards extroverts, with those who talk the talk often taking up the senior posts.
This is because being loud and outspoken in our world seems to convey a sense of confidence and authority. Even individuals who are strong-willed verging on intimidating are seen as great leaders; however, what many people probably do not realise is that some – if not most – of these people are quite often introverts who have trained themselves to act in a more standout way.
If they can do it, why can’t you? You can! The first thing to remember is that you are no less worthy than an extrovert to tackle a certain task.
If the occasion arises and you feel someone is trying to pip you to the post, be strong and do not let them break you down. Prove to your boss in your own way that you are the perfect fit for the job by highlighting your strengths, even if this means putting it down in writing first and then discussing your email in person.
If you are about to embark on a new role, now might be your time to evaluate the environment in which you wish to work, or how you want to come across to others; for instance, you may need to consider pretending to be more confident than you actually are.
Although faking it may sound a little unusual, this is one of the best ways to build up a stronger façade, as others will perceive you to be the authoritative person you want to be.
In a peculiar kind of way, opportunities tend to naturally be passed your way when your colleagues think you are an extrovert, with those around you inclined to stop and listen to what you have to say.
Although this can seem very hard to do, you will come to think of yourself as less of an introvert once you have successfully overcome the first few days and weeks.
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