Our working environments tend to reward those who dominate conversation and make their presence known. Introverts are wired differently, but that doesn’t mean that our contributions to a team should be any less impactful. There are many opportunities to better recognize those who may be last to speak but are often first to act.
In addition to helping individual contributors, my goal for this workbook is to address teams who would like to do a better job including all personality types into their workflow and process.
An Introvert's Guide to Starting a New Job
Quiet Force
This book was built to supplement the onboarding process with a series of self-guided exercises and prompts, all meant to help you learn more about what makes you a unique contributor to your team. The goal is to shift perspective on the nerves we bring to work and take advantage of the momentum and excitement that comes with starting any new opportunity.
This guide should help you discover what your strengths are, encourage curiosity, build solid relationships and plan realistic goals as you settle into a new job.
Find your voice in a room full of big personalities.
Thinking Introverts
As the name implies, this group tends to get lost in thought and are inherent daydreamers. They find comfort in studious tasks and love diving deep into subject matter or creative pursuits, which explains why many artists, musicians and writers fall into this category. They are not impulsive, taking time to pause and carefully consider a response to questions. As attentive listeners they often do well in social settings, playing the role of captive and introspective audience.
Restrained Introverts
These humans are often guarded and hesitant to show their emotions, which can come across as aloof or disinterested. This is often untrue, as they are usually taking meticulous mental notes so they can carefully decide on the best paths of engagement. Methodical in their approach, they are typically grounded, calming and reliable. They are excellent at reading a room and tend to be self-aware.
Social Introverts
This subset is what some would consider the classic introvert, as they prefer more intimate gatherings and avoid boisterous environments. This does not mean they are anti-social; instead they prefer to forge meaningful relationships with a smaller number of people. They take pride in their independence, and would be comfortable traveling solo or eating dinner out alone.
Anxious Introverts
These individuals are managing higher levels of nervous stress, especially when it comes to meeting new people. They typically feel awkward in public settings, which further heightens their anxious thoughts. This can come across as impolite or rude, as they may avoid interaction with others altogether. Anxious introverts respond well to activities that are simultaneously soothing and productive, like drawing, writing, or making things with their hands.
About Our Introverts
This book is one of the first projects I committed to when I began my MFA experience. It’s been a daunting journey, and I’ve had to frequently look to this content and remind myself to take my own advice. I probably wouldn’t have made it through the first semester of graduate school if not for these exercises of rediscovery. I'd love to share more about what I've learned.
