A lot of people say that introverts have a hard time in social situations. But how does this translate to the professional world? Is it harder for introverts to advance on their career journey because they aren't as social?
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Introverts are known for having the ability to focus longer. They usually get things done and go home unscathed, but struggle to network with others. Introverts lack a number of important social skills that extroverts have naturally. Getting promoted often comes down to the relationships we build with our managers and colleagues.
That's a challenge for an introvert. They may not necessarily be shy, but networking and small talk aren't their strengths. So it's rarely surprising to find out that a promotion isn't on the cards for many of them. If you are an introvert, this article will explain how you can overcome these challenges, so you can get that promotion you've always wanted.
Is it really harder for introverts to advance their careers?
Modern workplace environments and cultures are set up to optimize openness and collaboration between employees. Unfortunately, this has its downsides. Open-plan offices, for instance, are breeding grounds for interruptions throughout the workday.
This is bad for productivity in general. However, it can be a nightmare for the average introvert. According to some studies, even extraverted employees tend to withdraw from too much collaboration and connectedness.
Workplaces that put a high price on visibility and being outspoken tend to regard those with those traits as top performers. An introvert may produce comparable or better results than a colleague that possesses those traits but may not be recognized.
Why are introverts passed up for promotions?
Introverts by their nature, avoid self-promotion. Even though it is a vital way to make one's skills and talents known to those with the power to advance their careers.
Hiring managers tend to go for employees who are willing to showcase and speak freely about their achievements when decisions are made for career advancement. This is evidenced by the extremely low number of introverted leaders at senior executive levels of most companies even though introverts make up about half of the general population.
The problem with being invisible
In many industries, it can seem like you need to be outgoing and energetic to advance in your career. Introverts are reserved and prefer to work alone or with smaller groups. They are better at working independently and might find it challenging to launch into conversations with strangers.
Introverts aren't so eager to get out there and "work a room" - an important function of higher-level employees. They have a harder time with informational interviews and networking when compared to extroverts. If a job requires a lot of interaction with people, introverts would be at a disadvantage.
Introverts speak up differently
Introverts need time to process information and think before responding. They tend to be thinkers who listen and learn before they speak. Oftentimes introverts aren't aggressive enough in promoting their ideas or taking credit for them, so they're overlooked.
Organizations reward those who are more outspoken. Extraverts are by nature more assertive. Introverts don't talk about their achievements as much as extroverts do.
Reluctant leaders
There is plenty of evidence that introverts make great leaders, and in some cases outperform extroverts. However, most are more comfortable being the go-to person for complex problems, rather than leading people, which is often a prerequisite for promotion. As this study shows, introverts are unlikely to go after top managerial positions because they don’t think they would enjoy those jobs.
Unconscious bias
It’s harder for introverts to succeed at work because of unconscious bias against them. Introverts can be mistaken for less competent or less eager than they really are.
They can be seen as not being interested when they're really just quiet.
Extroverts seem more engaged and motivated at work and in meetings, while introverts tend to be quieter.
Also, most managers prefer employees who are willing to say yes without always asking for more information or time for reflection. Many introverts need time to reflect on things.
How can management help?
Here are 4 things managers can do to help introverts advance their careers.
- Firstly, managers need to understand implicit biases against introverts and become conscious of them. Training sessions can be organized by HR units for this purpose.
- Introverts can be asked to lead specific team efforts or assigned critical projects that showcase their skills and expertise to higher-ups.
- When it is clear that an employee is introverted, their views and opinions can be sought until they are less reluctant to take the initiative.
- Lastly, workspaces can be improved to allow for more privacy instead of the completely open plans that are prevalent in many organizations.
What can introverts do to advance in their own careers?
Ideally, people who have the talent, skills, and intelligence will have chances to advance in their careers. It is harder for introverts to advance on their career journey, but it isn't impossible. Introverts who want to grow in their careers can take action to help themselves. Here are 3:
- Make their voices heard at work. It is important for introverts to learn how to sell their skills and talents and become better advocates for themselves. They need to ask questions from time to time, to learn what is new and what opportunities might exist for them. They also need to speak up whenever they have a useful contribution.
- Manage upwardly well. It's important to know their strengths and help their managers play to them. By thinking about these areas and communicating their strengths and requirements to their managers, they can help managers understand what they need to be successful in their job and career.
- Improve social skills and visibility. This is uncomfortable territory for most introverts but small doses of small talk with colleagues don’t hurt anyone. Visibility can be done via email, for instance, they could send an email to their boss and copy others on it detailing what was accomplished and how it can help the company's goals going forward.
Conclusion
The key to advancing your career, whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert, is to know how and when to use your strengths—and those of others—to get the job done! It is possible for an introvert to advance in their career by learning how to occasionally speak up and network with others. Introverts sometimes need to work harder than extroverts to be noticed and appreciated in the workplace.
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