Jennifer Kahnweiler, an expert on introversion, provides valuable advice for introverts to thrive in the workplace, emphasizing preparation, self-advocacy, and the importance of creating environments conducive to introverted work styles. She suggests strategies for speaking up in meetings, networking, and overcoming the challenges of corporate culture, focusing on the strengths introverts bring as leaders. Kahnweiler also highlights the significance of self-care and communication in navigating professional relationships.

1. BROUGHT TO YOU BY
THE
INTROVERT’S
GUIDE
TO
SUCCESS

2. One of the leading experts on introverts, Jennifer
Kahnweiler is the author of The Introverted Leader:
Building on Your Quiet Strength and Quiet Influence:
The Introvert’s Guide to Making a Difference. Her
latest book, The Genius of Opposites: How Introverts
and Extroverts create Extraordinary Results Together,
will be out in summer 2015. She is also a global
speaker and a faculty member of the American
Management Association.
MEET JENNIFER KAHNWEILER!

3. Jennifer answered questions
from members of Connect:
Professional Women’s Network
about how introverts can stand
out at work. Here’s some of her
most popular advice.

4. At my job, there’s a lot of pressure to work together on teams, face to
face. How can I handle this as an introvert? Help your colleagues
understand that for introverts, much of the important work gets done in
solitude. Suggest that not all feedback be made in a group setting. Tell
folks you need time to think, and then reconvene at a set time. The talkers
and extroverts will adapt and, in time, realize they’re getting better
feedback from you when you can reflect.

5. How can I feel more confident about speaking up in meetings? Introverts
tend to live in their heads, but that can take you away from the moment—
which won’t serve you in a meeting. Instead, make an effort to be present.
Preparing for the meeting is key, as well. Adopt the “meeting before the
meeting” tactic, where you can float your ideas to a few colleagues and get
buy-in before launching them to a roomful of people.

6. How can a company accommodate and encourage its introverts? Keep in
mind that introverts thrive when they have their own space and time to think.
If your offices are in an open-space environment, offer private spaces for
people to escape to when they need to work alone. If possible, let people
work from home more. Don’t overwhelm them with meetings, and when you
do meet, don’t dismiss them because they think before they speak.

7. WHY INTROVERTS MAKE
GREAT LEADERS
• They think before they speak.
• They seek depth over breadth.
• They exude calm.
• They can express themselves in writing.
• They embrace solitude, which fuels their
creativity.

8. How can an introvert feel more comfortable networking? PREPARE is
the key word here. Have questions and a talking agenda ready before
you walk into the room. They can be as simple as “What have you been
up to?” or “What are you interested in learning about?” as long as they
get the conversation going. With preparation comes confidence.

9. Telecommuting is a good fit for me as an introvert, but I often feel out of
the loop. How can I make sure I’m included? You have to be more proactive
than in-office workers about networking activities and staying in the informal
loop of conversation. You can do that from home, but it’s also important to
schedule face-to-face time and phone conversations. Make sure you check in
with people regularly and spend some time finding out about them.

10. I’m often recognized for being a great listener, but I’m not seen as a
decision-maker. How can I show that I’m capable of both? Balance your
listening with engaging in the conversation. Put your ideas out there one-on-
one first so you can get comfortable with your point of view on an issue. Also,
try the first-five-minute rule: Get your voice in the room in the beginning of a
meeting, and it will be easier to do later on. You’ll be putting your stake in the
ground and will be seen as a team player.

11. INTROVERT’S GUIDE TO SUCCESS:
FOLLOW THE 4 Ps:
• PREPARE for the people part as much
as for the task itself.
• Have PRESENCE and stay engaged
without distraction.
• PUSH yourself and help your team do
the same.
• PRACTICE continually and refine your
leadership skills.

12. Corporate culture can be aggressive, fast-paced, and relentlessly social—not
exactly ideal for an introvert. Any advice on how to survive? Strive to make
self-care a priority. One woman I coached often traveled for work and was
expected to join the group for dinner and drinks every night. She told her team
that in order for her to be at her best the next day, she needed to regroup.
Interestingly, others in the group felt permission to speak up after she did.

13. I’ve been asked to write my own performance review, but I feel awkward
about tooting my own horn. Any ideas? Try asking peers you respect to give
you their perception of your strengths. Also, make an effort to stamp out any
negative self-talk and replace it with positive statements to get yourself in the
right mindset to write the review.

14. As an extrovert, how can I get the most out of phone conversations with
introverts? Most introverts don’t love talking on the phone. The key is to
make sure you’re not catching them off guard. If you let them know when
you’ll be calling and what you want to talk about, it will give them a chance
to prepare and be focused on the conversation.

15. INTROVERT’S GUIDE TO SUCCESS:
ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF
• Communicate regularly with your manager,
both face-to-face and via email.
• Develop connections with influential people
in your organization so they can “brag on
you.”
• Raise your profile by leading discussions
and connecting with members in online
groups like Connect: Professional Women’s
Network.

16. Any tips on how introverts can embrace public speaking? PREPARE.
Go to Toastmasters or a public-speaking class, rehearse it aloud, and
practice so many times that if you were to be woken up in the middle
of the night you could sit up and start your talk. Memorize just the
beginning and the end, but use talking points for the rest to help it feel
more natural.

17. How can I become more comfortable talking to the “higher ups” in my
job? Even if you’re not feeling confident, you can convey confidence. Take
what I call a “power pause” before you go into these situations. Prepare
answers to the questions you think they’ll ask, and focus on your voice and
your body language. Warm up your voice by yawning and breathing deeply
—and remember to have good posture!

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For more great insights on introverts at work,
check out Jennifer Kahnweiler’s
discussion in Connect.
PHOTO CREDITS:
1: Coneyl Jay/Getty Images

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