17 things introverts would like to share with their bosses and coworkers

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Perhaps you will recognize yourself in them or better understand those around you.

The main difference between introverts and extroverts is that the former recharge in silence and loneliness, while the latter in the company. At work, they also tend to have different preferences. For example, people who are prone to introversion are more comfortable communicating in writing rather than verbally. And in order to speak at the meeting, they need time to prepare.

HuffPost asked its introverted readers in what situations at work they lack understanding from colleagues and superiors. And this is what they said.

1. Several meetings in a row exhaust me

It doesn't matter in what format they take place: online or live. I need time to recover from one meeting before starting another.

2. Don't take it personally if I refuse to sit with everyone after work

I communicate well during the work day, but please don't ask me to spend time with colleagues too often in the evenings. I need to be alone with myself to recharge for tomorrow. Gathering once a quarter is great, but every two weeks is too much.

3. I can do a lot more if I have my own space at work

An office without offices for me is a guarantee of discomfort and unproductive work. Every time I am distracted, I have to spend a lot of time and energy to get back to work. As a result, I am also worried about deadlines.

4. I am most productive when I work from home

My company switched to remote work in mid-March, and I have never worked happier and more successful. Don't get me wrong: I love my coworkers, but I feel stressed by the need to be cheerful and sociable five days a week. Working from home, I can still talk to colleagues, but without this pressure.

5. I need time to prepare

Talking to my boss, I said that I would like to try myself in a leadership position. That same evening, he asked me to take over the project, without giving time to study the materials, planning and thinking. This caused me incredible stress. I said that I would gladly take on a similar project in the future if I was warned in advance, but it turned out that it was a test. I failed him, and I was never again offered to become a leader. I know I can be a good leader, but not when I'm dumbfounded like that.

6. Joint games and stuff is a nightmare for me

All sorts of activities that should help defuse the situation and find something in common with colleagues cause me panic and stress. I understand that they are supposed to be fun, but for me it's just awful.

7. Moderate meetings to keep introverts on the sidelines

An idea doesn't get better if it is expressed loudly and emotionally. Remember to listen when introverts speak. And don't let noisier colleagues take over the entire meeting.

8. Sometimes I need to give up the conversation to save energy

Unless I stop in the hallway to chat with each of my colleagues, I'm not unfriendly at all. I am trying to conserve energy so that it’s enough for the work I’m here for.

9. I work best alone or in a small group

This is how I feel most comfortable and can relax.

10. Recognition of my work is great, but not when it is done in front of everyone

The recognition and gratitude is very valuable to me, but I prefer to be expressed in a personal message, rather than announced to all colleagues in the meeting.

11. I need time to switch from one task to another

If I am doing something and I am suddenly asked a question, I cannot immediately answer. It's not about incompetence. My brain just takes longer to switch.

12. I have ideas, but it's hard for me to share them during big brainstorming sessions

It is important for me that there are other ways to offer my ideas. Then I can do it in a comfortable environment for myself, well articulating my thoughts.

13. I usually prefer a message to a call

Please don't call me when you can get by with a letter. In the second case, my answer will be more complete and efficient.

14. When everyone in turn is asked to share something, I feel uncomfortable

Don't expect everyone in the meeting to tell you how they are doing, what they did over the weekend, or what they think about the topic of the conversation. When everyone at the table is asked to share this, I feel as anxious as I did in elementary school when the teacher forced everyone to take turns reading.

15. If I am silent, it does not mean that I am not participating in the discussion

My silence does not mean that I have nothing to say. I just need more time to comprehend the information and form an answer.

16. My strengths are less conspicuous, but just as valuable as extroverts

My boss thinks that a good teacher must be incredibly sociable and lively. He cannot understand that introverts are more calm and observant and that these are valuable qualities.

17. At lunchtime, I need to be alone with myself

I appreciate that the management wants to thank us by ordering us food for lunch. But I need this break in order to be alone and recharge.