Introverts Can Achieve Promotions and Other Professional Wins Despite Not Being the Loudest in the Room — Here's How Introverted professionals often have invaluable assets to offer a company — and the key is to show them off.
By Amanda Breen Edited by Jessica Thomas
Key Takeaways
- Although extroverted employees are more vocal, it's not necessarily an advantage when it comes to winning at work.
- Introverts should lean into their strengths and break out of their comfort zone to excel.
Extroverts are more likely than introverts to express their passion in the workplace, according to a recent study. Research has also shown that people who feel passionate about their work achieve higher pay and organizational status.
Extroverted employees don't necessarily have an advantage over introverted colleagues when it comes to receiving the next raise or promotion, though.
That's because passion can manifest itself in many different ways, Kathleen Lin Huburtise, founder and CEO of Aloha Hospitality Professionals, tells Entrepreneur.
For introverts, passion is often revealed in the depth, focus and dedication they bring to their work, Huburtise says.
So, how can introverts ensure they get the acknowledgment they deserve at work? According to Huburtise, introverted professionals need to recognize those three abilities within themselves — then highlight them for other people.
"You don't need to be loud to be noticed," Huburtise says. "Instead, it's about demonstrating the quality of your contributions."
Related: 6 Overlooked Superpowers of Introverts in the Workplace
However, introverts should also be ready to challenge themselves — playing to their natural strengths even as they venture outside their comfort zones, Huburtise notes.
Assisting colleagues can help introverts build strong relationships; down the line, they might consider asking those co-workers to put in a good word with their supervisor, Huburtise says.
Introverts can also benefit from creating a list of empowering adjectives to describe themselves and should never shy away from asking for what they want, she adds.
Finally, introverts often exhibit "quiet leadership," or leading by example through strong work ethic and clear thinking — and shouldn't hesitate to emphasize that during one-on-ones with managers or performance reviews, according to Huburtise.
Related: The Skill Introverts Need to Master to Succeed at Work, According to a CEO
"Extroverts can learn from introverts the value of thoughtful consideration, deep focus and the power of listening," Huburtise says. "Introverts can gain by mentoring others, allowing joyful collaboration and embracing the energy that comes from connecting with others."
