This guest post comes from career consultant Simon North. Previously he has written popular blogs on ‘8 Ways to Compete when You’re Not Naturally Competitive’ and ‘From Introvert to Extrovert’ and here he looks at some simple ways for those with a more introverted character to make sure they get their voices heard…
Although introverts are at risk of getting overlooked in the workplace, or anywhere else for that matter, it doesn’t at all mean that introverted characteristics are incompatible with personal and professional progress and success. Indeed, it’s quite the opposite. There are a number of ways introverts can get ahead in all areas of life.
All of the steps below will help even the most introverted of people towards their goals, whatever those goals may be…
This post is from career consultant Simon North. He recently contributed the popular post ‘8 Ways to Compete When You’re Not Naturally Competitive’ and here more advice in another area in which confidence plays a part
“Although life is rarely as simple as labelling anyone as either an ‘introvert’ or an ‘extrovert’, the majority of us do have a proclivity for either introversion or extroversion. Being an ‘introvert’ in this sense of the word has its merits but there are times in our professional careers where it pays to be more extroverted. An introvert doesn’t become an extrovert overnight; however there are several steps they can take to bring out their more extroverted side.
1. Be Open-Minded
It’s difficult to draw out of yourself a personality trait that you perceive negatively. Too often introverts will stereotype extroverts as noisy, disorganized and ‘crazy’. Open your mind to the idea of extroversion as something positive. Write up a list of all the extroverts you know and whom you get on with or at least respect and admire. Identify the qualities that you like in these people. You’ll realize that many of those characteristics are to do with their extroverted personalities—so being an extrovert isn’t, in fact, all bad.
2. Adopt Opposite Behaviours
Practice behaving like an extrovert until it comes more naturally to you. At work, have a go at drawing attention to yourself and your workspace by putting pictures on the wall or a packet of biscuits on your desk. In fact, any kind of food on display will draw more colleagues than usual to you because, let’s face it, we’re talking about free food here!
3. Act the Part
A lot of stars of the screen and stage are actually quite introverted. It’s only when they assume the role of a fictional character or impersonate a real person, that they find that the freedom of a different persona gives them license to become more extroverted. The impressionist and comedian Jon Culshaw, for example, comes across as rather shy in certain interviews, yet he is one of Britain’s most successful performers. Even if you are not inherently outgoing, you do have what it takes to play the game and put on a performance as an extrovert. Think back to your school plays or drama classes and what you did to immerse yourself in a role. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re being fake—you’re simply putting the adage ‘act it until you believe it’ into practice.
4. Learn from Others Continue reading “From Introvert to Extrovert – 6 Simple Steps” »
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