People often don’t believe me when I tell them I’m an introvert. They see me facilitating programs, speaking up in meetings, and demonstrating extroverted behaviors.

The truth about introverts is that we CAN DO extroverted things when necessary. It requires a LOT of energy, so when we do those things, we need time to recover our energy.

Here are a few strategies that have worked for me.

Strategies for Introverts

Plan Your Day

Build time into your day to allow yourself to recover from doing extraverted things. I like to schedule meetings with myself to give me time to reflect and re-energize. Putting these on my calendar prevents others from booking that time. When I worked in an office, I would go for walks or reserve a small conference room to avoid interruptions during my reflection time.

Turn Off Alerts

Reduce overstimulation by managing interruptions throughout your day. I turn off the visual and auditory alerts in my email system and check my email on MY schedule rather than being interrupted every time a new message arrives. And I set my phone to “do not disturb” when I need focus time.

Buy Time with On-the-Spot Requests

Since introverts need time to think and reflect, it’s challenging to offer answers and solutions during a spontaneous discussion. I’ve become very comfortable with telling people that I need some time to think. Here are a few phrases you might want to try:

• Let me think about that and get back to you.
• I can’t remember off the top of my head. I’ll email you that info later.
• Hmmm, I would need to think about that.
• For some reason, I’m drawing a blank. Let me get back to you.
• I’m not sure. I’ll need to check on that.
• You know, I’m a processor. Let me give that some thought, and let’s reconnect to discuss this further.

Set Realistic Networking Goals

Networking is vital in any career, and introverts can excel at it. The key is that we prefer one-on-one over large groups. So, use that knowledge to navigate large social settings. When I attend networking events, I set goals to have meaningful conversations with one or two people rather than trying to “work the room.”

Strategies When Working with Introverts

Allow Them to Prepare

Introverts require 2 – 48 hours to come up with ideas. If you’re inviting them to a meeting, give them an agenda and as much information as possible that will allow them to prepare for that meeting.

Incorporate Reflection Opportunities

Find ways to give them space to reflect. For example, if you’re leading a brainstorming session, ask people to write their ideas on post-it notes before having conversations about them. If you’re working on a project, create an iterative process that allows them to work independently between group sessions.

Take Them Outside

Busy environments can overstimulate an introvert. If you’re going out to eat, opt for patio seating which will allow a quieter experience than in the restaurant. If your work environment is loud and noisy, have a walking meeting outside to escape the chaos of the office. 

Accept Their Boundaries

When introverts tell you they need time to think, they reveal their superpower. Don’t pressure them for an immediate response. If you allow them time, they will share their brilliance with you. When introverts decline social invitations, they are taking care of themselves and recouping their energy. Go ahead and invite them again; maybe they will say yes next time!

Introverts don’t want to be extroverts, and vice-versa. Embrace your style and be authentically YOU!

Wishing you the best!