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important, therefore limiting faces all day stresses you out, then it’s
the likelihood of interruptions. ADVOCATE FOR CREATIVE probably best that you don’t pursue
You can also gently let people ALONE TIME a line of work that involves these tasks.
know when you are busy and A recent study by scientists from the While nearly every job will require
don’t want to be interrupted. University At Buffalo in the US has shown some compromises, finding one that
A simple “I’d love to hear that solitude can promote creativity, and doesn’t drain you or cause you to be in
more – could we discuss it this is especially true for introverts, who a frequent state of anxiety will transform
at 3pm?” conveys that you might find they freeze up in group your life. That might mean becoming
can be a team player and brainstorming sessions, or don’t want to a freelancer, changing vocations or
are more than happy to publicly share their ideas. Introverts often merely switching to a smaller company,
catch up – without sacrificing excel at concentrating intensely for several but whatever you decide, figure out
your productivity. hours at a time, so employers lose out what the ideal work environment and
on potentially amazing ideas by insisting culture is for you. And also know that
on group work. In fact, research has you can change the way things are.
TRY TO WORK consistently found that group brainstorming If you love your job, but find yourself
FROM HOME ONE sessions yield fewer ideas than that of the frustrated by all the group work sessions,
DAY A WEEK same number of people who worked talk to your boss about allowing more
If you work in a more flexible, separately and then combined their ideas. time to work alone. If you speak up,
progressive office, having Ahead of big meetings, ask if you can you might be able to change the office
just one day to work from submit your ideas directly to the meeting for the better – for yourself and your
home could really make leader and then go into the brainstorm. fellow introverts. ◆
a difference to your mental Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come:
health. Imagine: a day without An Introvert’s Year Of Living Dangerously
having to be “on” all the time; PREPARE AND REHEARSE by Jessica Pan is out now in paperback
without small talk, a crowded BEFORE BIG PRESENTATIONS
commute or constant Here’s an inescapable fact of life: most
interruptions. You’ll also get of us will have to speak publicly or give a ARE Y O U AN
SO much more done. presentation at work at some point in our
careers. It’s a great way to show off who I N T R OV E R T ?
we are, what we’ve been working on and
IMPROVE YOUR our strengths. But, ugh, the anxiety. The
NETWORKING SKILLS fear of being in the spotlight may never go If you answer “yes” to the majority of
these questions, it’s likely you lean more
Yes, it’s time to get your game away but there are steps you can take to towards introversion than extroversion…
face on for the sake of your ease your nerves. If you have ample time
career (and the rest of your to prepare, find an opportunity to rehearse Do you prefer one-on-one
life, tbh). A few basic pointers: in front of someone else (or better yet, conversations to talking in group
networking gets easier the a few people). This will allow you to settings?
more you do it; don’t expect experience many of your insecurities After a few hours of socialising, do
every encounter to go before the big presentation, which can you feel drained and crave time alone
perfectly; and, when in doubt, help enormously on the day (even though to recharge?
use your introvert superpower: listening. the rehearsal will probably also be Do you prefer to listen first and talk
Ask genuine questions and really pay painful). By giving your talk a few times in later at work meetings?
attention to the answers – this will also front of others (ask a trusted friend), your
take the focus off you. You’ll be pleasantly confidence will grow. If you don’t have Are you a good listener and expect the
surprised with what you find out and the someone with whom you feel comfortable same from others?
connections you make – and you’ll know sharing your presentation, it may be worth Do you prefer a few close friendships
a lot more about the person you’ve met investing in a session with a speech coach. as opposed to many casual ones?
than the average extrovert would. Also,
it’s easier if you arrive at events early, Do you feel energised after spending
time alone?
before the crowd feels impenetrable. KNOW YOURSELF
And don’t leave after 15 minutes – it takes Figure out what makes you thrive. If you Do you express yourself better in
a while for most people to warm up so, find that meeting new people, making writing than speaking off the cuff?
if you can, stay for at least an hour. cold calls and interacting with lots of
COSMOPOLITAN · 65
