Tips for Thriving as an Introvert in Social Settings

Socializing is important for leadership, but what if you just don't feel like it? Introverts feel this often, but extraverts do at times as well. If you're struggling to be "on" at all times, consider these suggestions. _________________ 1. Look at socializing as a tool for better leadership. I'm an introvert who can socialize (and even enjoy it) once I'm at the gathering; but until I get there, the reluctance to do it is pretty strong :) If you're like that too, remember: - You may enjoy it once you're there. - There's value in social capital and in understanding how people interact. - People want to meet you and you can be of great help to others.    2: Do it your way.   I used to think I had to attend big networking conferences to start meeting people for my business. But I've never enjoyed them unless I'm one of the speakers. For me, I felt like most people are talking to you while they're looking for other people they need to meet :) So I stick to the settings I enjoy: 1:1 conversations, like coffee meetings. They suit the kind of conversation I want to have with people, instead of feeling forced. 3: Prepare in order to feel comfortable.   It's not always good to rely on "rehearsed" questions or conversation starters. But knowing about attendees through LinkedIn or other social media is a great way to feel like they're not all strangers. Also, you can think of what to share about yourself if given the opportunity.   4. Set boundaries. Many of us dislike endless socializing because we value boundaries on our attention, time and autonomy. But other people won't set limits for you. You need to express them. Set time for you to recharge. Say no when you need to. And know that while someone may take it the wrong way at first, most people don't have time to think about people outside of themselves. So just keep it moving and don't be hard on yourself.   5. Delegate certain social tasks. Obviously, you can't assign every uncomfortable activity to others. But consider leveraging a team member who thrives in social situations to take the lead with organizing and managing certain events. Just make sure to stay close to desired outcomes and don't disappear from all events. 6. Leverage digital platforms. LinkedIn is a great way to build social networks when you don't have the motivation to keep meeting up with people. But I also recommend texting, emailing and phone to nurture relationships. These are helpful ways to stay on the scene but in a way that suits your mental energy and time. 7. Accept the good with the bad. When you decide to be a leader or successful professional, you're always going to have to step out of your comfort zone to grow. Accept that socializing is important - but know that you can make it work for you in the way you need. ______________ Repost ♻️ to share with others if you found this helpful, thanks! And for daily tips on leadership, follow me at Nihar Chhaya, MBA, MCC

Sometimes, it's too easy to hide behind my phone. While most people will comment on my high energy, I am, in fact, very introverted, and I don't love "networking," so when my clients share that they feel this way, I get it. While I don't love "networking," I do love talking to people, interviewing others, and public speaking, but they all can run down my social battery. Do you ever feel the same way? The concept of networking can be anxiety-provoking, but chatting, sharing, helping, and asking can be much less of a drain. Here are some tips to help introverts network while keeping social anxiety at bay: 💎 Prepare in Advance: Research the event and attendees beforehand. Knowing who's going to be there can help you plan whom to approach. 💎 Set Realistic Goals: Aim for meaningful interactions rather than trying to meet everyone. Even connecting with a few people can be a success. 💎 Use Online Platforms: Start building connections online through LinkedIn or other professional networks. It's often less intimidating than face-to-face interactions. 💎 Focus on Listening: Introverts are often great listeners. Show genuine interest in what others say, and the conversation will flow more naturally. 💎 Choose Smaller Events: Instead of large conferences, start with smaller meetups where you can have more in-depth conversations. 💎 Have a Few Go-To Questions: Prepare a few open-ended questions to initiate conversations. This can help reduce anxiety about starting discussions. 💎 Bring a Friend: Having someone you know at an event can boost your confidence. Just make sure you still make an effort to meet new people. 💎 Find Common Ground: Start conversations around shared interests or experiences. It can be easier to talk about something you're passionate about. 💎 Practice Active Listening: Show that you're engaged in the conversation through nodding and relevant questions. This builds rapport and makes interactions more meaningful. 💎 Volunteer at Events: This gives you a role and makes it easier to interact with others, as they may approach you first. 💎 Embrace Your Introversion: Remember that being an introvert has its strengths, like the ability to form deep connections and think before speaking. Use these traits to your advantage in networking situations. 💎 Networking when you are an introvert doesn't mean changing who you are; it's about leveraging your natural qualities in social settings. Which tricks/tips have you used to navigate networking jitters more easily? 💎 I am Cathy, a 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐉𝐨𝐛 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞. 💎 I help people develop the tools they need to land jobs and build careers in less time than going it alone. Want to see more valuable career-related content? 🔔 Ring the bell on my profile and follow Inspire Careers 👍 Connect with me! #networkingtips #jobsearchtips #introvert #inspireothers #careercoaching

This job market is rough for introverts. I see folks struggling with norms of extroversion at all points in their career journey. For job seekers, the expectation to constantly self-promote, network expansively, and shine in interviews clashes with their preference for quieter, more subtle engagement. Those currently employed feel pushed to engage more assertively with colleagues and leadership in ways that feel foreign and draining. Fear of being overlooked for promotions or laid-off compels them to adopt a more extroverted facade. This toll is personal and can lead to anxiety, loss of self-esteem, and burnout. Introverts (or ambiverts) rightfully want their strengths - thoughtful analysis, creative solutions, self-reflection and deep connection - to be seen and valued. It’s hard for introverts to navigate an extroverted world. Here are some things to try: 1 - Craft your Story: Highlight your capacity for deep thought and focus in your resume, LinkedIn profile, and interviews. 2 - Network on Your Own Terms: Connect with others in ways that suit your style, such as one-on-one meetings or small group discussions. If you’re more comfortable with written communication, lean into commenting and messaging to build relationships. 3 - Prepare Thoroughly: Use your natural inclination for preparation to anticipate questions and scenarios, especially for interviews and meetings. 4 - Seek a Coach: A coach can help you build motivation, strategize and practice your approach. 5 - Recharge: Set boundaries around your time. Create “rest buffers” before high stakes events so you can warm-up in advance. Introverts - you can’t “pretend” to be extroverts - at least not for very long! You don’t have to. By embracing and communicating your unique strengths you can carve out a fulfilling career path that doesn't compromise your true self. #introverts #careerdevelopment #coaching

Ever heard of the "Introvert Hangover"? It's that drained feeling introverts sometimes get after lots of social interaction. Exhausted with a headache and the desire to hide somewhere. Like after 3 days of back to back sales meetings, All Hands, Board Week, Conference Event, or Investor Pitches. If you're nodding, I've got some tips I've found help me avoid it, especially if you're in sales or deal with people a lot: 1. PACE YOURSELF: If you know you have a big meeting or event, try not to stack other social commitments on the same day. Give yourself some "recharge" breaks. 2. SET BOUNDARIES: It's okay to decline or reschedule some engagements. It's about quality, not quantity, of interactions. 3. FIND QUIET MOMENTS: Even in a busy setting, step away for a bit. Maybe find a quiet corner or take a short walk. A few minutes can make a big difference. 4. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS: Deep breathing or mini relaxation sessions can help ground you during the day. 5. PLAN DOWNTIME: After a big event, ensure you've blocked out some personal time. Read, listen to music, whatever helps you recharge. This is a BIG one if you've got multiple days in a row of heavy socialization. Remember, it's all about balance. Play to your strengths, and give yourself the space to thrive. Easy, right?

Them: I don’t <insert action here> because I’m an introvert. Me: 😳Wait! Nooo that’s NOT the flex. 🗣️Listen! Y’all know I have a soft spot for my fellow introverts, but ☝🏾 thing for certain and ✌🏾 things for sure I don't support it being used as the reason you hold yourself back from being the best version of you. In other words, try not to use it as a crutch, an excuse, or a shield to avoid reaching your full potential. If you're going to embrace it make sure you do so from a space of self-awareness and not self-diagnosing. Because in a world where labels are thrown around like the spaghetti I throw at the wall when I'm in brainstorm mode, it’s up to us to recognize if and how we show up beyond the label. Here’s 3 personally experienced examples of how one limits themselves based on an assumption vs the other who recognizes the “label” while leveraging their strengths to still thrive. ❌ "I don't do networking events because I’m an introvert. ✅ “Let me find the events that align with my interests and make sure I engage in quality interactions over quantity…oh and exit stage left when my social battery needs a recharge.” ❌ "I'm an introvert, so I don't speak up in meetings." ✅ “I don’t need to be the loudest one in the meeting, but I will definitely add value to the conversation as needed.” ❌ "I didn’t apply for that leadership position because I’m an introvert.” ✅ “My decision to not apply for that position had absolutely nothing to do with me being an introvert. I know I have a ton of strengths I can tap into that are extremely valuable in leadership.” This list was meant to be extremely short and the intention was to give just enough to make you go hmmm…and re-evaluate how you show up wearing your “label”. #RicharaMotivates PS: Shoutout to Jahmaal for the inspiration behind this post.

Are you an introvert? Do you feel a slight panic before joining networking events? If you answer ‘yes’ to both questions, this post is for you! ******* Networking events can be stressful for introverts, but here are THREE TIPS to help navigate them more comfortably: 1. Set Realistic Goals. Instead of aiming to meet a lot of new people at the event, challenge yourself to have a meaningful conversation with just a few people. Quality over quantity is critical. 2. Prepare Talking Points. Before attending the event, consider topics you feel comfortable discussing or questions you can ask to initiate conversations. This can help relieve the anxiety of not knowing what to say. 3. Take Breaks and Recharge. Recognize when you need a break from social interaction. Find a quiet corner or step outside for a few minutes to recharge if you feel overwhelmed. If possible, arrive early or stay late to avoid the crowds. This can give you more one-on-one time with others and reduce the pressure of large group settings. Remember, networking events are about building relationships, not just exchanging chit-chats. Embrace your introverted strengths, such as listening attentively and forming deeper connections, and don't be afraid to take things at your own pace! #introverts #networking #beyourself

Can't wait to see so many of you in person in a few days! 🥰 Speaking of being in-person, love Ted Laderas' "Introvert's Survival Guide to Conferences" From Ted's blog: https://lnkd.in/e4bcjVKU Set Yourself Up For Success. Be prepared. If you can, try to connect with people or identify the people you want to meet before the conference even starts. Be Curious, Not Scared. You are a curious person. If you weren’t, you wouldn’t be in science. Use that curiosity to connect. Wonder about things. Be the Host, Not the Hosted. According to Susan Cain, introverts do very well socially when they have a specific role - like moderating sessions. By being thoughtful and helping people with their problems, you can form connections. It’s Totally Ok to Take a Break. Go outside for a few minutes, or find a corner that’s quiet and secluded, look at websites on your laptop. Just don’t withdraw. Accept That You’ll Miss Out. Emphasize quality over quantity. The truth is, if I can meet two or three people that I can connect with and two or three talks I find inspiring, I consider that a good meeting. Make Yourself Comfortable at Social Functions. Introverts can do very well socially when the situation is proscribed and the roles are clear, which is why I like poster sessions. There’s a limited set of questions you can ask and be asked. Remember That Most People Are Equally Nervous. Be kind. Be compassionate to yourself and to others. This will make you more relatable. When you focus on making others comfortable, you concentrate less on your own nervousness. Ask Questions and Listen. Again, other people at conferences want to be heard and connect. There is something interesting about everyone. Gauge When You’re Exhausted. As an introvert, being with people can be draining. At some point, enough is enough. Take the evening off, grab something to go, and watch tv or read a book in your hotel room alone. It’s ok, no one is keeping score of how many social events you are going to. It’s OK, the Right People Will Like You. You will eventually find people you want to talk to. Nurture these relationships. If someone gives you their card, follow up on it. It’s a sign of wanting to make connections. Don’t Expect The World of Each Social Interaction. I think sometimes we idealize what our perfect interaction would be. We get disappointed when our interactions are less than that. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised, but don’t get bored and wander off. It’s Totally Okay to be Awkward. Just own it. Most scientists are awkward in some way. Being awkward is a way of being vulnerable - and being vulnerable is a way of connecting. I sometimes consider wearing an “I’m an introvert” button at conferences. Breathe. Conferences can feel like scary and unsafe situations to introverts. If you feel agitated, don’t force it. Take a moment and breathe.

Dear Introverts (tune in next week, Extroverts!), It's holiday party time. Yes, you can navigate it successfully and even enjoy yourselves. Here are some tips in order to thrive in this dreaded social setting: ❊ Manage your expectations. Take the pressure off. You don't have to be the life of the party. It is quality interactions that matter. ❊ Plan ahead. Familiarize yourself with event details and plan your arrival and departure time to give yourself a level of comfort. Having an exit strategy can reduce anxiety. ❊ Bring or meet a friend. It's helpful to be joined by someone who understands what you need in order to navigate social situations. ❊ Prepare conversation starters. Being armed with topics in advance prompts good questions (of the open-ended variety) and eases you into interactions. ❊ Practice active listening. Remember, people don't care how much you know - they want to know how much you care. The more active listening you exhibit, the more cared for they feel. ❊ Take breaks. Step away and recharge if needed. In fact, upon first arrival, identify a quiet space that you know you can retreat to if you need a break for a few moments. ❊ Use nonverbal communication. Be aware of how you are using nonverbal cues. Body language is language too and it speaks volumes. ❊ Follow up after the event. If you've had meaningful interactions, reconnecting with individuals in a quieter setting can enable a deeper connection. Remember, it's important to prioritize your well-being, take care of yourself and respect your boundaries to contribute to a more positive holiday experience. For more like this year-round - let's talk. #introverts #tistheseason #planahead #bskstrategies

Are you an introvert looking for ways to navigate the world? Check out episode 168 of The Quiet And Strong Podcast, where I tap into the insightful wisdom of Emma-Louise Parkes, a former air traffic controller turned introvert empowerment coach. In this episode, "Strategies for Energy Management and Mindset Mastery as an Introvert," you'll learn practical techniques to manage your energy effectively, understand the power of mindset in your personal and professional life, and discover how to embrace your own introverted strengths. Emma-Louise shares her personal journey from air traffic controller to coaching introverted achievers and dives into the nuances of introverted confidence, challenging the misconceptions about quiet personalities. Listeners will come away armed with actionable advice such as carving out vital alone time, even if it's just for 10-15 minutes, to recharge and maintain energy levels. Emma-Louise also sheds light on the significance of repetition in building confidence. Dive into this episode to uncover why embracing your introverted nature can be your greatest asset and how you can transform challenges into opportunities. Tune in not only to find validation in Emma-Louise's experiences but to walk away with a sense of readiness to take on the world in your own quiet and strong manner. Remember, being introverted is a superpower when you know how to harness it. Listen, learn, and be strong. Episode Link: QuietandStrong.com/168 #introvert #introverts #productivity #mindset

Can introverts be good leaders? As a lifelong introvert, I can say the answer is definitely YES! Introverts prefer to internalize their thoughts, and are drained by social interactions. Extroverts prefer to do their thinking out loud, and are energized by social interactions. Most people fall somewhere between the two. Introversion is not a disability, but can be a significant impediment to career growth, particularly in leadership roles. Extrovert behaviors are frequently conflated with leadership traits, such as presence and dynamism, while introverts are often given feedback they are not team players, are not engaged, and lack confidence. Introverts can be successful leaders, and their tendency to think things through deeply before acting can make them excellent strategists and visionaries. I delayed becoming a manager for many years, as both family and friends expressed concerns. Fortunately I had an introvert mentor, and after a decade I have not looked back. To be successful, introverts must develop strategies, e.g: 1)    Preparation – the key to handling large groups is to prepare in advance. This is best done by writing notes, which forces you to think clearly. I normally come prepared to every important meeting with written notes.  I rarely reference these notes in the meeting, but it means I can focus on following the discussion and insert my talking points at the right time, rather than scrambling to keep up.   2)    Virtual – video calls are a huge benefit for introverts, as they slow down the conversation, force participants to speak one-at-a-time, and prevent individuals from dominating. Large groups feel like small groups, and faces can be hidden to remove the distraction. This flips the script for introverts, who can thrive in a virtual environment that extroverts may find it excruciating!   3)    Small Groups – there are still benefits in face-to-face interactions, even for introverts. The key is to keep the groups small and focused, where everyone feels empowered to participate. Introverts often feel they need permission to speak, and small groups can more easily create space for everyone to have a voice.   4)    Practice – it is not possible for introverts to avoid all uncomfortable situations as they have to live in the real world. For years I have forced myself directly to face uncomfortable situations, and while it may never feel natural, it becomes much easier with practice.  From experience, it is possible to conceal introvert tendencies, though only for limited periods of time.   As an introvert, you may think that management roles are not for you, and I would urge you to reconsider!  Having more introvert leaders helps other introverts to become more successful. Are you an introvert leader?  Comment below if you have any more strategies or advice for success? [Note that the above is entirely my own opinion, and in no way represents the views of Amazon] #management #leaders #introverts