Don't apologize

I hear the Introvert all too often apologizing for being introverted. It frustrates me at times because it builds up the myth that being introverted is wrong, a social handicap, or a poor business practice. The goal should be not to apologize for being introverted but to use the introversion in such a way that it becomes an asset to you and to those you serve.

To start doing this, it would be wise to communicate with those around you that you are introverted and tend to approach things differently. Let people know that you tend to need to marinate on things before landing on a response. I used to feel pressured to come up with an answer to certain questions right on the spot, and still do feel that way at times, but I've found that embracing my thoughtfulness as a strength, consistently communicating this need to others, and then actually delivering wise and clear responses works very well.

If someone asks me a question that I need to think through, I'm getting to a point to where I don't feel pressured to respond immediately, but I'm able to fight that urge and instead respond by confidently communicating that I need to think this through and get back to them. And guess what? They are always happy to do so, and not once has anyone responded negatively to this. Not only does it send a signal to them that I think their question is important enough to merit some extra thought, but most of the time I'm able to come back very soon with a well thought out and clear response.

So don't apologize for the methods that lead you to success, but embrace embrace it as a strength, and I think it will improve how the Introvert contributes and the respect that others give to the Introverted Soul.