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Tips for Introverts on Adapting to the Workplace
Being an introvert in a busy workplace can be a struggle. The unending interruptions, flurries of noisy machinery like telephones, demanding superiors, and the even more demanding public can send you into a spiral of stress and frustration.
Even more taxing are events that force you outside your comfort zone, like public speaking presentations and conflict with coworkers. Everything seems to favor the extroverted, and your workplace won’t wait for you to catch up to this outgoing culture. But you’re capable of fighting for your place. All you need are a few extra steps that extroverted people can do without. The following psychiatrist-approved tips can help introverted employees adapt to and thrive in the workplace.
About Introverts
Before you read on, it’s helpful to know what an introvert is and isn’t. While most people associate introversion and extroversion with specific social traits, like shyness vs. popularity, introverted and extroverted people have different personality types that guide them.
Introverts are people who derive energy and motivation through their inner world, rather than the people in the outer world, as extroverts do. Introverts can be very social and confident people, but they often prefer to live deep in thought, value their privacy, and enjoy occasional solitude. While extroverts are energized by social situations, introverts are exhausted by prolonged socializing, and then need to withdraw to recuperate.
Introverts cannot broadly categorized as “loners” or quiet, withdrawn people. Further, being an introvert doesn't always mean that you dislike socializing. However, introverts know that engaging with other people, like an outdoor recreation activity, will drain your energy and can only be performed for limited periods of time, even if you’re enjoying yourself. Here’s how to manage these personality traits and succeed in a busy workplace.
Work Alone When Possible
Introverts do their best work when they can access their deepest thoughtful and creative energy in a quiet environment. If tasked to work with a group, ask a superior or your coworkers if you can spend part of your time being productive alone, then reconvene to share your progress later.
Treasure Your Breaks
Save your energy for interacting with coworkers and clients. That means using your breaks to restore energy. Find a place where you can be alone and enjoy a few minutes of silence. Then, be ready to speak up and engage with others when you’re back at your desk. If you’re going to be in a busy meeting or presentation, take time alone to prepare beforehand.
Be Honest
Let your supervisors and team of coworkers know how you prefer to communicate. That means taking the time to process prompts and brainstorming, rather than being vocal on the spot. If you’d prefer to give presentations one-on-one rather than to your entire team, ask if you’re able to do so. Always use clear phrasing like, “I’ll have to think about that. Can I stop by your office after this meeting?” or, “I’d love to speak privately about this issue.” If someone is causing you stress by being confrontational, feel free to speak up. Say things like, “Let’s speak about this one-on-one and handle it calmly.”
Ask for Help
Finally, it’s important to ask for help sometimes. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. This can trigger stress and anxiety responses as you attempt to stretch your personality. However, you can still find personalized advice for handling work stress. The best psychiatrist for anxiety can help you understand how to communicate better, and offer assistance with issues like anxiety if you frequently deal with feelings of extreme stress.
Don’t sacrifice your career or career goals due to your anxiety. If anxiety symptoms are getting in the way of your success and happiness, the best psychiatry practice can help you achieve your potential. Visit the best anxiety psychiatrist near you for a treatment plan that can help you manage your anxiety and adapt to stressful situations.
If you’re looking for the best psychiatrist in Tallahassee, FL, visit Florida First Psychiatry Specialist.
Florida First Psychiatry Specialist
Dr. Prasanti Tatini, Psychiatrist
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