Reasons you should share and how to do it
Big exhale! It was finally my Retirement Party!
Thirty years in corporate America. I spent 30 years in a dozen jobs at one company. I worked with hundreds of people along the way, and each team was represented at my 2018 Retirement Party.
Many rose to toast our shared experiences and finally it was my turn. I raised two surprising facts:
First, a surprise to me. As an introvert, I was astonished to realize that despite my anxiety-filled years of forced socializing and conforming to the extroverted norms of the corporate world, the people are what I would miss the most.
Second, I surprised everyone else by sharing that I was in the midst of writing my memoir, about my struggles as an introvert in an extrovert's world.
Suddenly, many started looking at each other and the hush built to a rumbling chorus of "you're not an introvert! I've worked with you for years. We've gone to dinners, parties, and conventions. There is no way you are an introvert!
A smile spread across my face. Three decades of deception. I had fooled them all. I had pulled it off!
Opportunity Lost
As more co-workers and managers wished me well, my joy turned to shame. What had I done?
Over the last couple of years since my retirement began, I've often considered that evening, and my thirty years. As my responsibilities built, my role strayed from my comfort zone of analytical, desk-bound logistical roles to more commercial, customer-facing jobs. It was during my climb up this pre-ordained corporate ladder that my discomfort and lack of skills in social situations and high-pressure conversations started to show through.
I longed for solitude, but I knew in order to provide for my family as my father had modeled all my life, I could not shrink from the challenges. Instead, I had to don a mask, to wade through the growing social commitments and rise to the demands of hallway debates, meeting presentations, and conference cocktail hours.
Decades of this personal conflict nearly tore me apart. I sought refuge through over-drinking, especially on team events and road trips. I often binged on carbs and chocolate in order to sedate my anxieties. I became a workaholic, convinced a strong work ethic would help hide my troubles and overcome my fears. I was exhausted each evening, collapsing on the couch; my family only getting whatever crumbs were left of me.
What would I do differently?
Now, I'm convinced I should have shared my true personality with co-workers, managers, and staff years ago. It may not have been easy, but three main drivers convince me so:
Authentic bonds: My relationships were acquaintances, but they never became deeper friendships since I couldn't take my mask off and be vulnerable.
Role model: Half of the US population are introverts. So about half of any work organization are introverts as well. Yet, I can't remember anyone openly offering to talk about their introverted personality at work. How helpful could that have been for others if I had been that role model for others, introvert and extrovert alike? Sharing my reserved nature could have opened up conversations about anxious situations, strengths I leaned on, and how others deal with their own anxieties at work. I always enjoyed mentoring, yet I missed out on the most impactful mentoring opportunity of my career.
Health: I was truly tormented for decades. I became morbidly obese, sleep-deprived, and full of nervous symptoms like sciatica, persistent rosacea rashes across my face, and shingles. Some of this may have originated from normal stress at work, others from my need to recharge alone, but most of my symptoms were due to always having to maintain a facade at work which, I thought, would promote myself amongst others.
How to share your secret
This all may make sense to many of you. But how do you share such a private secret you've worked so hard to keep?
This is a deeply personal sharing. Come prepared. Learn more about your introversion, your strengths, and your style. This does not need to be broadcast to everyone. You may be selective with those that you feel will listen, understand, and reciprocate by building an authentic connection together.
Manager: This bond is so important. You have been hired to deliver on team goals and your manager is there to support your efforts. Sharing your introversion is a great place to start. You may share through a casual meeting, a routine catchup, an annual performance review, or a career planning session. Actually, I suggest you boldly share your story even earlier - during your job interview. It's an opportunity to display your own honesty and self-confidence. It's a chance to share your strengths (planning, listening, teamwork, learning, loyalty, etc). You can also convey your conviction - that you can do any task presented through your own unique style. What a great message to share. And if the hiring manager doesn't appreciate it, I say this is not the right situation for you. Isn't it better to know now? Gather more messages for managers here.
Your team/staff: Whether you are a supervisor or not, sharing your introversion with your co-workers and staff is so powerful. You are imparting your courage, boldness, personality, and belief in self-development with your closest colleagues. Introduce the topic as a personal sharing. Don't offer this as a weakness or suggest that you are looking for pity or help. Instead, disclose that you are proud to be an introvert. Share your story - that you have learned a lot about your strengths and gaps. You will stand as an example, inviting them to do the same so that you can lean on each other, complement each other's skills, and be prepared to succeed together.
I am convinced this more open approach will provide you with a much more satisfying experience, both at work and for you and your family at home. Click here for more Introvert survival tips.
I wish you the best of luck. I'd love to hear your stories or help with your approach at BeyondIntroversion@gmail.com.
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Check out my 15 minutes of fame as I share some impactful stories and background, and then answer a few questions at our Prose with the Pros event!