Calling All Introverted Businesswomen: 6 Steps to Make Introversion Your Biggest Strength in the Corporate Workplace 

Are you an introvert like me? If so, it might feel like the corporate world wasn’t exactly built with you in mind. It’s taken me a long time, plenty of research, and lots of trial-and-error to learn how to utilize my inherent introverted characteristics as strength ins the workplace. And you can do it too! Let me show you how.

1. Know That There is Nothing Wrong with You

The single most important takeaway from this article is for you to deeply know and accept that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being an introvert.

Introversion is not a flaw to be fixed. It is simply a common personality trait.

Introverts feel best in quiet, less stimulating environments and extroverts feel best in energetic, more stimulating environments [1]. Neither is right or wrong, just different.

Both bring important value to the workplace that drive companies’ success.

2. Accept That the Corporate World Operates Around Extroverted Norms

Like it or not, the corporate world is built with extroverts in mind – not introverts.

Companies generally prioritize practices that align with extroverted preferences. Some common ones I've experienced are open offices, frequent networking events, frequent travel, water cooler conversations, and the need to self-promote. All things that don’t really cater to the strengths of introverts like you and me.

The corporate workplace feels like an extrovert’s dream.

But instead of fighting against this reality, we need to accept it for what it is and learn to navigate it strategically using the unique strengths you possess as an introvert.

I want to be clear: you do not need to pretend that you are an extrovert. You can use the valuable skills and characteristics you possess as an introvert to excel in an extroverted work environment.

3. List All the Introverted Characteristics You Possess That Are Valuable Workplace Strengths

Introverts possess a whole smorgasbord of skills and characteristics that help them succeed in the workplace and provide needed value to organizations.

I know you have many traits that are beneficial to you and your company. Here’s a list of strengths of introverts to help you get started:

• Analytical

• Attentive to detail

• Creative

• Cultivates deep relationships with others

• Deep thinker

• Deliberate

• Empathetic

• Engaged listeners

• Excellent written communicators

• Focused

• Humble

• Independent

• Intentional

• Intrinsically motivated

• Measured

• Methodical

• Perseverant

• Prepared

• Reflective

• Self-aware

• Strong observational skills

• Thinking before acting

• Thoughtful communication

Take a moment to write down a list of all the skills you possess that stem from your introverted nature and that can contribute to your power in the workplace.

4. Brainstorm Ways to Leverage Each of Your Introverted Strengths at Work

Here’s the real meat of guide. Take that list you made a list of your introvert strengths and brainstorm ways you can leverage these strengths at work.

Here’s my example list of behaviors that serve me well at work and that are based on my inherent strengths as an introvert.

Ask Thoughtful Questions: 

Introverts tend to be thoughtful, but also uncomfortable contributing to a conversation with a large group of people. You can use your thoughtfulness and preparedness to jot down a few thoughtful questions to ask during meetings ahead of time. Asking good questions shows that you’re engaged and adds to the conversation without putting the spotlight on yourself.

Prepare talking points: 

One of the commons strengths of introverts is preparedness. Introverts like to consider and prepare before meetings and presentations.

Every time I present at work, I write out my talking points on the computer ahead of time and I practice going through my presentation over and over again until I have it down pat.

When presenting, I keep my talking points up so my eyes can quickly scan them if I get lost in the moment.

It is super important that you aim to sound natural and do not sound like you are reading something rehearsed or reading.

For me, this means that don’t use the same exact words in every practice run. I use the words that come naturally to me in the moment and only use the talking points as a guide, not a teleprompter.

Leverage the opportunity to communicate in writing:

Introverts tend to be excellent written communicators. Unlike verbal communication, writing allows introverts to take the time and consideration to carefully craft their message. Jump in on email chains, instant messaging, and white papers.

Share your ideas in a presentation format: 

Leverage your introverted strengths of creativity, thoughtful communication, preparedness, and deliberateness to create presentations, like PowerPoint presentations, to share your ideas with colleagues and leaders.

Introverts often feel more confident when they have a presentation pulled up because it takes the spotlight off of everyone looking directly at you and it helps to guide the talking points you want to make.

Build Strong Business Cases with Evidence: 

Use your natural strengths of being highly analytical, observant, attentive to detail, and perseverance to use data, evidence, and critical thought to build a solid business case with strong evidence to back it up. Then use your excellent written communication to illustrate the business case using slides, data visualization, or a written business case.

5. Take Care of Yourself By Prioritizing Rejuvenating Breaks at Work

Introverts need time to recharge, especially in a high-energy environment.

Make a list of ways you can recharge throughout your workdays and prioritize doing them when you need a little refresh. For some inspiration, here's my list of ways that I recharge at work:

Take a Walk

Some companies have walking paths or gyms with treadmills for workers to use. If not, you can work with what’s available. Take a walk down the street, around the office building, or even the parking lot. When I worked in office, I would take a few minutes of my lunchtime to take a stroll around the parking garage.

Find A Quiet Space

If your office has a quiet area, a break room, or unused conference rooms, take advantage of the space to sneak in some recharge time.

Step Outside

A fresh breeze, some sunlight, or the sight of cloud can be a great refresher. Even if it's only for a couple minutes, get yourself outside and take stock of the weather, the temperature, or the view.

This is my favorite recharging activity. Everyday, mid-day, I make myself step outside for even two minutes. I glance up at the sky, look at the clouds and the sun, and focus on the feeling of the air and sun on my skin. It's like an energy shower. I feel more rejuvenated every time.

Car Retreat

Your car can be the perfect alone, quiet oasis to escape to for a couple minutes during the day. I’ve been known to sit in my car during lunch or breaks just to have a few calm, quiet moments to myself.

Post a Do Not Disturb Sign

If you're chained to your desk but need a little space, you can politely signal to others that you are occupied and unable to talk.

Companies I’ve worked for distributed little signs you could display at your desk that would say things like “In A Meeting, “Focused,” or “Lunch.”

If you think your company culture would be open to having a polite sign posted at your desk, you can purchase one on Amazon (not an affiliate link, I make no commission) or you make your own sign that say something like “Focus Time. Do Not Disturb.”

Throw On Some Noise Cancelling Headphones

You can tune out some of the office drone and voices by using noise cancelling headphones. This option is less about recharging and more about preserving your social battery.

6. Read Books For Introverted Businesswomen That Are Written By Women

Books are some of the most valuable sources of knowledge, inspiration, and advice. Reading books about how to succeed in the workplace as an introvert has been pivotal for my professional self-development.

Books show me that the obstacles that I face are not unique and not unconquerable. The insights I gain from reading prove that I’m not alone and that there are ways I can comfortably navigate the workplace as an introvert.

I’m personally drawn to books written by women like me because they resonate with me on an intuitive level. I find the advice more actionable coming from someone who is similar to me.

Here are my three of my favorite books about thriving as an introvert:

"Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain

I can’t recommend this book enough! Susan Cain’s “Quiet” book is THE essential book about how to succeed as an introvert.

I’ve read this book many times over the years. So many times that I own it in multiple forms: I have the paperback and Kindle digital book.

While completing my MBA, I wrote a detailed paper about how introverted women can succeed in the workplace and this book was the most cited source.

If you could only read one book about how to thrive as an introvert, it would hands-down be this book.

“Quiet is a Superpower: The Secret Strengths of Introverts in the Workplace” by Jill Chang

I love Jill Chang’s book because it makes me feel seen as an introverted businesswoman.

Jill Chang presents obstacles of introverts in the work place and provides common sense action steps that show you how to use your unique introverted strengths to succeed in the corporate world.

“Quiet Influence: The Introvert’s Guide to Making a Difference” by Jennifer B. Kahnweiler

This book is a short, quick read that details six of the core strengths of introverts and how to use those strengths to influence and make a difference at work.

Influencing people is perhaps the single common thread amongst all corporate jobs. You need to influence people to buy your product, negotiate deals with clients, inspire a team to achieve, or gain buy-in from critical partners.

Jennifer B. Kahnweiler shows you how you can hone your influence skills by using the strengths you naturally have as an introvert.

Your Quiet Strength is a Unique Asset

The corporate world may be loud and fast-paced, but that doesn’t mean you have to be. Your ability to think deeply, listen carefully, and act thoughtfully is precisely what many workplaces need. There is nothing wrong with you—embrace who you are and use your introversion as the strength it truly is.

What introverted strengths serve you well in the workplace and how? How do you make time to recharge throughout the workday? Share below!

Sources:

Websites:

[1] “The Power of Introverts: A Manifesto for Quiet Brilliance”. Gareth Cook. Scientific American. January 24, 2012.

[2] "Introversion Definition: 4 Signs of Introvert Personalities". Masterclass. November 4, 2022.

[3] "The Quiet Revolution: How Introverts Change the World". Isabelle Kluge. January 2, 2023.

[4] "The Perils of Listening Well". Sophia Dembling. July 6, 2010.    

[5] "Are Introverts The Best Listeners?". Rachel Nuwer. December 13, 2016.

[6] "Your Introvert Strengths Are Probably Hiding in Plain Sight". Peter Vogt. September 15, 2023.

Books:

"Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking”. Susan Cain. 2013.

“Quiet is a Superpower: The Secret Strengths of Introverts in the Workplace”. Jill Chang. 2020.

 “Quiet Influence: The Introvert’s Guide to Making a Difference”. Jennifer B. Kahnweiler. 2013.

Disclaimer: All images used are free, royalty-free stock photos from pexels.com.