Frances Horibe's

Faking Extroversion In the last post, I gave you an example of when introversion can prevent you from being successful even if it’s not about salary or promotions. This is where faking can come in. How faking extroversion helps There were several times during that interaction when your introversion didn’t help you get the extra research money. I won’t replay the whole conversation, but pick some bits to discuss. Narita claims she did an analysis: Narita: Great, I’ve done the analysis, Jeff, and I can deliver three months earlier with the infusion of new money. Introverts typically need time to reflect before they can react. Springing claims in the meeting can be off-putting. But you could have said: You: That’s great, Narita. Could you walk us through the analysis? This gives you time to reflect—still a bit on the fly but better than nothing. You try to get a focus on the data: You: Can I see the analysis? Narita: Sure, I’ll send it to you. Three months gives us a jump on production. We might be able to make the spring sales conference instead of the fall’s. She breezed by the lack of analysis to the carrot she is…

Being Introverted Can Do You In As discussed in the last post, being extroverted rather than introverted is more likely to reap the rewards companies have to offer. Even if you are not interested in money or promotions, you may still want to learn to fake extroversion. Here’s an example of what happens if you don’t. YOU are in a meeting with your boss, Jeff, and a colleague, Narita. A limited amount of extra research money has become available and Jeff will decide whether YOUR project or Narita’s gets it. You know that your research is more important than hers, and therefore it’s only rational you should get the money. Why is Jeff bothering with the meeting? Narita: Hi, Jeff, how are the kids? Jeff: Great, thanks. Kaitlain’s team just won the regional finals. You: [silence] Jeff: Guys, I don’t have a lot of extra money and it won’t have much impact if I split it between you two, so I’m giving it to only one. Narita: Great, I’ve done the analysis, Jeff, and I can deliver three months earlier with the infusion of new money. You: Can I see the analysis? Narita: Sure, I’ll send it to you. Three…

Can You Be Successful if You’re an Introvert? Business is the land of the extrovert, not the introvert. It is estimated that 75% of the work population are extroverts. I have some trouble with this stat. Seventy-five percent of the people I know aren’t extroverts. But I can round this square if I amend the statement slightly to say that 75% of the people act extroverted in the work place, even if they aren’t outside it. Why would a reserved person fake extroversion at work? Because research shows that extroverts have more money-earning capacity and more promotions. Meanwhile, the hard-working quiet ones who do all the heavy lifting don’t necessarily reap the rewards they should from their efforts. So, can you be successful at work if you are an introvert? That’s what we’re going to explore, but first: What is an introvert? Psychology Today has a good definition, but generally I think an easy way to recognize it in yourself and others is whether you draw energy from being on your own, or get invigorated when you are in the company of others. It’s not all or nothing, of course. You might enjoy the TGIF with the guys or the…

Are You Being Taken for Granted on the Job? In previous posts, you actually had it good when your boss valued you too much to let you go. You get the same outcome but none of the kudos if it is taken for granted you will do your job well. Some jobs are easier to take for granted. Examples might be the background organization of a big meeting or convention, production of a regular report, or delivery of a well-established program. Here, obviously, fighting fires is considered failure. Other jobs seem to consist largely of putting out fires. People in them are more likely to be hailed as company heroes but frankly, even a job like that can fall into this category if the incumbent tries hard enough. How do you know if you’re being taken for granted? It’s mostly a feeling but here are some cues: A proposal impacts your area but nobody consults on whether it will cause you glitches. Your work problems are considered trivial (e.g. the sound system isn’t up to the size of the room). Your evaluations emphasize “does a good job; delivers what is required” and not “exciting new project successfully delivered” or “huge…

Talking to Your Boss about Being Trapped in a Job We’ve discussed when being too good at your job can impede your career. This can occur when your boss has a dog-in-the-manger view of good staff; he wants to keep them even if they don’t want to be kept. It results in a feeling of being trapped. Whether to talk to your boss about feeling trapped It’s an option. With some real benefits. If he truly didn’t realize you were unhappy, you two could discuss a path which suits you both. However, and this is a big however, your boss may know what he’s doing and will respond defensively when it is raised. Look at your boss in other situations. When things go wrong, does he look for a scapegoat? In meetings, does he let others talk or lay down the law? Do you know to watch your ps and qs with him to avoid offending? Things like this should make you think twice. Let your gut be your guide. The conversation You’ve decided that, for all his bluster, your boss is a good enough guy you think he’ll listen. I’ll run through a possible conversation, with commentary on the…