Meetings... interviews... brainstorming... networking... and more... Many of our workplaces are unfavourably biased towards introversion and extroversion is seen as the ideal.
It's often the case that the ones who 'shout' the loudest are the ones who get heard, get the recognition, get the reward, and get ahead. Whilst the quieter ones get overlooked.
Research supports this and shows that extroverts get more opportunities at work because their performance is more visible.
Research also shows that 37% of workers report being treated negatively due to their introversion, rising to 49% in self identified introverts.
It shouldn't be like this.
This week I hosted a LinkedIn Audio event where myself and 〰️ Mildred Talabi MCIPRPete Mosley Yinka Ewuola and Brian Johnson had a discussion about changing the narrative about introversion in the workplace.
Leanne Maskell listened in to the session and here is what she had to say about it:
I was once bullied by a man twice my age for being 'quiet'.
I'm not sure what his intended outcome was, but shouting and laughing at someone across a group just makes everyone feel uncomfortable.
This week I joined Carol Stewart MSc, FInstLM #LinkedInAudioEvent on 'Changing the narrative of introversion in the workplace', & was (quietly) cheering at the below:
🔊a lack of understanding of what introversion is means that workplace cultures are set up to celebrate extroversion.
🔊 being an introvert doesn't necessarily mean someone is shy: they may need more time to process thoughts before speaking. 🙋 ♀️
🔊 it's also strongly related to energy & how a person recharges (by themselves!)
🔊 things like meetings, interviews and brainstorming don't allow for reflection time & are stressful for everybody, especially introverts.
🔊 creating psychologically safe environments where everybody feels their voice will be heard, they don't feel judged, and they feel valued benefits everyone.
🔊changing workplace cultures to support introverts helps to avoid cultures that exacerbate burnout - such as having only open-plan offices that can make it hard to focus.
🔊introverts need to be part OF these conversations, not being talked about.
Does this resonate with you too?
I found a way to harness my introversion by writing - and I didn't stop!
The daily messages I receive about books like ADHD: an A to Z from people who feel seen prove that not everybody thrives in the same way.
Thank you to the amazing speakers helping introverts to feel heard on LinkedIn - Carol Stewart MSc, FInstLM 〰️ Mildred Talabi MCIPR Pete Moseley Yinka Ewuola.
P.S - the man never spoke to me again after I emailed him to ask him to stop making personal comments about me and my voice. Don't let anybody stop you from using yours. 🙃
About Leanne
Leanne Maskell is a certified ADHD Coach, Educator, and 3 x best selling author who harnesses your ADHD to work for YOU, not against you. She is offering a 25% discount off her Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria course. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is a huge factor for those with ADHD in feeling scared to speak out. You can use the code ADHDWORKS25 to get your discount here.
You can listen to the replay of Changing the Narrative About Introversion in the Workplace on the podcast, just click on the title.
We need more conversations like this to increase awareness and to empower change. Start having conversations about the issue in your workplace and please do get in touch if you want to know how you can go about doing this.
First published on LinkedIn.
If you are an introverted woman and a senior leader and want to increase your confidence, influence and impact, take my free assessment and get a report identifying areas to develop. You can take the assessment here.