Between a third and a half of the population are introverts

– people who respond better to quieter environments. Sylvia Loehken, author of Quiet Impact: How To Be A Successful Introvert, shares her tips on how to get ahead in an increasingly noisy world

How to FEEL COMFORTABLE IN MEETINGS

Introverts have a high activity level in their brains, and it often takes them longer to come up with solutions and suggestions than their extrovert counterparts. When surprised by a proposal at work, try saying: “Let me think about it” or “Can I get back to you?” If you don’t provide space for yourself, extroverts won’t provide space for you.

How to NETWORK

Networking can often be quite stressful for an introvert. Naturally, though, introverts make great listeners, so play to your strengths: ask questions about topics that interest you, and that way you’ll be able to enjoyably process information while engaging your conversation partner.

How to NOT SIMPLY BE PASSIVE

Extroverts will see an introvert’s low external activity – speaking infrequently and quietly – and assume low internal activity, when the opposite is actually true. Introverts need to send signals to extroverts that they will understand. This doesn’t have to be speaking loudly. Good eye contact, nodding and asking questions will provide the stimuli an extrovert requires from an interaction.