Standing out in the Nigerian workplace is paramount. Therefore being too quiet in meetings, brainstorming sessions or contributions can be perceived as a sign of weakness or lack of competency. The bees start to buzz leading to a series of worry and paranoia for you. Your seat at the table starts to be shaken by individuals who feel you are not bringing enough to the table.

Now being introverted in this context doesn’t work much in your favour. Here are my top tips for introverts to standout and get their voices heard in the workplace, securing and owning that seat at the table.

Come in Strong
Introverts are thoughtful, which means they’re good strategists. Instead of leaving your contribution to chance, challenge yourself to put your ideas on the table in the first few minutes, and at a minimum, get your voice in the room.

Ask the right questions
Ask questions that actually contribute to the essence of the meeting and not just a means of getting your voice in the room. Introverts are naturally observant and can use this advantage to ask key questions that move the dialogue further. It helps clarify everyone’s thinking if, in the battle between competing ideas, you can propose a thought-provoking question.

Distil Ideas
As an introvert, the tendency to understand deeper, observe, reflect and listen more, helps to distil the ideas in the room. In a bid to be heard, meeting participants can talk over each other, contradict, or even be in total agreement without realizing it. Become the calm in the storm that helps identify great ideas you feel have been raised and push it forth to the room. Example, “Tunde and Agnes both mentioned in-house shipping. If we are able to have that as part of our arm, we are able to help the client transport safely and also make more money for the organisation. What do you think?”

Be the brave one
Be bold. Be the person who identifies the hard to talk issues, say what needs to be said in meetings. Identify the elephant in the room – directions or points participants are scared to address. If there’s an issue everyone is avoiding, see that as an opportunity. Bringing it up with your signature thoughtfulness can be the perfect way for you to be heard – and make a memorable impression.

Be a problem solver
Finally, one of the very best ways to command respect is to be a problem solver. Do your homework, and come prepared with solutions to vexing problems that the group is struggling with. And make these solutions evidence-based – grounded in research you’ve done or analysis you’ve conducted. People respect good ideas and smart solutions and this can be a great way to show assertiveness in a way that plays to your strengths as a smart, strategic thinker.

Remember, you always have something to say. Most times people who are loud don’t have any concrete ideas or solutions to problems. Don’t be intimidated by loud-mouthed people who like the sound of their voice. That’s why as an introvert you play a vital role in the organisation. Your reflection and assertiveness on topics contribute real, concrete, memorable and impactful ideas to the group.


Source; http://tushmagazine.com.ng/5-sure-fire-ways-getting-voice-heard-workplace-introvert/



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lalasticala, mynd44

Wow,you just x-rayed me.I told my bed mate(extrovert) in our 1st year that l will be the president of our association.Exactly those things you listed was what l did.Finally,l contested with my course rep and won.I really stung him with questions and better ideas during meeting as well remind him of previous utterances.

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After getting your voice heard what next?
Your mates are counting millions and you are hear killing yourself just because you want your voice heard over a 20k paying job?
Pure trash, next....

Nice one

abeg no be now again in most workplaces....some of the introverts are silent killers in the offices, back stabbers, pretenders and eye service people to gain oga or madam attention at the office

Don't ever try that number 4, I repeat don't try that No. 4. if nobody is talking about it, there is valid reason everybody is avoiding the subject.

scenery: There's an issue at work that's effecting productivity, all the staff are complaining about it but nobody is bringing it up with management during meetings. in fact all of you will agree to talk about it during next meeting with management, but u find out they are shying away from it during the meeting. please don't bring it up either, else u would end up being the bad person in the eyes of management. office politics is no play.

Meaningful post. All these ones with negative comments are most likely working in typical Nigerian organisations. They should try multinationals or world-class companies!!!

EvilChild:
After getting your voice heard what next?
Your mates are counting millions and you are hear killing yourself just because you want your voice heard over a 20k paying job?
Pure trash, next....

people like you don't grow. Where u are today is where u wish to be hundred years to come.

Sure tips

martyns303:
Don't ever try that number 4, I repeat don't try that No. 4. if nobody is talking about it, there is valid reason everybody is avoiding the subject.

scenery: There's an issue at work that's effecting productivity, all the staff are complaining about it but nobody is bringing it up with management during meetings. in fact all of you will agree to talk about it during next meeting with management, but u find out they are shying away from it during the meeting. please don't bring it up either, else u would end up being the bad person in the eyes of management. office politics is no play.

I totally disagree with your point. If they are shying away it means they don't have the confidence to face issues. Why were they employed if they can't confront difficult situation. Its better you say and let the management decide if what u requested is achievable or not. You might be the Messiah at that point

dope

EvilChild:
After getting your voice heard what next?
Your mates are counting millions and you are hear killing yourself just because you want your voice heard over a 20k paying job?
Pure trash, next....

Who made Ur life this miserable ??

rickyrex:
people like you don't grow. Where u are today is where u wish to be hundred years to come.

I disagree with this statement

EvilChild:
After getting your voice heard what next?
Your mates are counting millions and you are hear killing yourself just because you want your voice heard over a 20k paying job?
Pure trash, next....

Bros u nor get chill at all

scream and it voice will be heard

Be a trouble maker is the best way to get your voice heard

buklarbest:


I disagree with this statement

keep it up

This is nice.

ha

EvilChild:
After getting your voice heard what next?
Your mates are counting millions and you are hear killing yourself just because you want your voice heard over a 20k paying job?
Pure trash, next....

If u don't kno wat to say better read and go, and mind ur biz, then continue counting ur billions and allow them to count their 20k in peace.

So essentially, stop being an introvert? Lol

nosagold:
So essentially, stop being an introvert? Lol

If you're not an introvert you won't get the message the op is trying to convey. The message doesn't mean you're stopping yourself from being an introvert

Meaningful and thoughtful post, God bless you Op

EvilChild:
After getting your voice heard what next?
Your mates are counting millions and you are hear killing yourself just because you want your voice heard over a 20k paying job?
Pure trash, next....

Hahahahahaha

@ no. 4
In my formal place of work, being a problem solver automatically means more work for u. U won't even rest for 10 min. so everyone including myself runs from that

good