Standing out at work as an introvert can be challenging. You want to be recognized for your work without drawing significant attention.
Workplace visibility is essential for career growth. Even if you prefer to be amazing behind the scenes, you could be overlooked for raises and promotions because a senior leader was unaware of your achievements.
Playing to your strengths without changing who you are helps you receive the recognition you deserve for your organizational impact. The following strategies can help.
Speak Up Early in Meetings
Meetings let you interact with decision-makers. Speaking up allows you to provide insights and propose solutions. Demonstrating your understanding of the business, critical thinking, and readiness to lead positions you for senior roles.
These tips can help you speak up in meetings:
- Be prepared so you are comfortable speaking.
- Be the second or third person to contribute to the discussion.
- Share your perspectives when everyone is paying attention.
- Increase your ease of contributing throughout the conversation.
Participate in Discussions
Active participation helps shape the direction of conversations. Being present and involved in dialogue can be more important than contributing groundbreaking ideas and having answers.
These approaches support active participation in discussions:
- Share suggestions that build on what others say: “Adding to what Kelly mentioned, I believe…”
- Ask questions that prompt deeper thinking: “What is the role of cross-functional collaboration in this project?”
- Reflect on a previous discussion: “This topic ties into what we discussed last week regarding…”
- Suggest resources: “There is an article from Harvard Business Review supporting this idea that could provide additional insight.”
Avoid Using Disqualifiers
Downplaying your ideas and accomplishments encourages others to underestimate your knowledge and capabilities. Habitually using disqualifiers unintentionally signals you are not a go-to resource or industry thought leader, which can diminish your authority and influence.
Examples of disqualifiers include:
- “This probably is not what you are looking for…” when handing your boss a deliverable.
- “This might be a terrible idea, but…” when brainstorming with a colleague.
- “I am not an expert on this…” when helping with a project.
In contrast, confidently framing your contributions encourages others to respect your ideas and acknowledge your expertise. Consider using more assertive language:
- “Another approach could be…”
- “I would like to propose…”
- “To broaden our perspective…”
- “My initial thoughts are…”
- “Based on my understanding…”
Find a More Senior Accounting and Finance Position
Mercer Bradley can help you secure a more senior accounting and finance position in Winnipeg to elevate your visibility and organizational impact. Visit our job board to apply for a role today!
