THE INTROVERT’S GUIDE TO THRIVING AT WORK

From understanding yourself to negotiating flexible working

When I was 23, I was working at a magazine in Beijing. I often stayed late in the office to finish my work. One day, a senior editor pulled up a chair next to me. She started to talk about the difference between introverts and extroverts and explained that introverts dislike small talk, thrive in solitude, are good at concentrating on tasks and recharge by being alone. I instantly recognised myself in this description and felt relieved. My editor had clocked something about me: my introversion was the reason I preferred to work late. After my colleagues went home and the frantic office emptied out, I was able to hunker down and do my best work, zeroing in on my assignments with intense attention and no interruptions.

A third to a half of the population are introverts, yet society tends to favour extroverts. They are more likely to be chosen for leadership positions, even though there is no evidence that they are better leaders. Extroverts are also better at self-promotion, leading to more recognition at work and, by nature, they tend to have wider social circles, which leads to more opportunities and ideas. However, this doesn’t mean introverts are inferior, by any means. Introverts are often self-starters and independent thinkers who are great at listening, observing and can concentrate on one task for hours at a time. They also tend to have big ideas and offer unique perspectives, as they prefer to work alone.

Trendy open-plan offices can be a nightmare for introverts: noisy, with constant interruptions and no quiet space to think in solitude. Combine this with brain-storming sessions, group work and company outings that can feel like marathon socialising sessions and introverts may suffer. But you can thrive at work as an introvert. Here’s how: