An Introvert’s Guide to Thriving at Work

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​Being an introvert in an extroverted world can be stressful, but these 5 actions are game-changers at work. 
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Thirty-eight percent of people say they are either completely introverted (9%) or mostly introverted (29%). And 31% report they are an equal mix of introversion and extroversion, according to a survey by YouGov.  Writing in Forbes, Tracy Bower, PhD, a senior contributor, offers this advice...
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• Be Yourself: Play to your strengths. People view introverts as quiet, shy, and reserved—but 45% of people also see introverts as calm; 35% see them as thoughtful; and 17% view them as loyal.
• Embrace Teamwork: Work can be a great place to create connections. And for introverts, higher levels of engagement also result in greater self-esteem. Try to get to know others gradually by being a solid thought partner at work.
• Leverage Informal Interactions: Too much time alone can be damaging for “even the most committed introverts.” Just chatting with someone in a coffee line or exchanging pleasantries on the elevator or at the start of a video call can have a significant impact on fulfillment, happiness and wellbeing.
• Do Work You Love: Find responsibilities that match your preferences. There are plenty of roles in most industries and sectors that feature jobs that are more likely to match introverts’ preferences.
• Choose Your Boundaries: Block out your calendar for focused time and, if allowed, work from home occasionally. Be transparent with your team about the work you are doing and aspects that demand less distraction.

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If you are an introvert, what about your work do you find most gratifying and what strategies have worked for you to connect with colleagues? To join the conversation, click "comments" below.

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