The Introverts Advantage in Office Politics

Quiet Influence, Strategic Visibility, and the Power of Being Politically Savvy

Hi, I’m Bonnie Marcus. Welcome to Own Your Ambition, a weekly newsletter where I offer my best advice on how to successfully navigate the workplace as a woman today. A former CEO who made it to the C Suite from an entry level, executive coach and published author, I share my experiences and lessons learned from my tenure in corporate, focusing on giving women proven tools and strategies.

This week I write about the advantage introverts have in navigating office politics. This article is an updated version of a Forbes interview with author and subject matter expert on introverts, Jennifer Kahnweiler.

Image by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Just this morning, as I was discussing writing this article with a friend, the conversation naturally turned to what personality types we each were. I could not classify myself as either one and subsequently came to the conclusion that I’m what’s called an ambivert. In other words, I have personality traits of both. At times, I can be very social and fairly outgoing when the occasion calls for it. But unlike extroverts who will stay until the party ends, after a short while, I’d like to retreat to my quiet place at home and be more reflective.

The definition of an ambivert is a perfect fit for me. And I’ve come to realize my success in the workplace can be attributed to drawing from my occasional extroversion when the situation called for it, but more than likely, my introverted tendencies.

For decades, it was a commonly held belief that extroverts are the real winners in the workplace. We’ve always expected extroverts to have the charisma and natural ability to lead; to connect and influence others. Our assumption, therefore, has always been that extroverts have a real advantage over introverts playing the political game.

But Susan Cain’s bestseller, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, first changed our perspective with its launch in 2012. In her book, we learned that introverts can influence in a quiet yet effective manner and have the ability and potential to emerge as powerful leaders.

In my book, The Politics of Promotion: How High Achieving Women Get Ahead and Stay Ahead, I address the importance of being politically savvy for career success. But my curiosity about the specific ability of introverts to master workplace politics and utilize the tools I outline in the book’s political toolkit, led me to reach out to Jennifer Kahnweiler, author of Quiet Influence, for answers.

Here are Jennifer’s responses on the topic.

It is a common assumption that you need to be an extrovert to be politically savvy. What are your thoughts? Is it a disadvantage to be an introvert or can it be an advantage? If so, how is it an advantage?

Introverts can be very politically savvy. By not rattling their sabers or shouting their ideas in a Type A way, they exert quiet influence. They make a difference by challenging the status quo, provoking new ideas and inspiring others.

They also think before they act, take in the scene around them and put together a strategy that reflects this careful analysis. For instance, in entering a new organization they take time to carefully watch group dynamics, assess the cultural vibe and become familiar with the business focus. They also get a feel for the style of movers and shakers in their midst. Their carefully crafted strategy reflects this analysis.

Being an introvert can be a disadvantage politically when others don’t stop to listen to introverts. In a fast paced Type A world, managers, clients and team members do not take the time to pause and listen to the introverts in their midst. Introverts will sit back waiting to be called on when not encouraged to contribute and their turn never comes. As the time for sales and promotions emerge introverts can be left behind. Therefore, introverts must rely on building strong relationships with people who can speak for them along with their own efforts at self-promotion.

Self-promotion is critical to build relationships of influence in the workplace. How does an introvert, especially a woman, get comfortable with self-promotion?

It is hard for many women to bypass this hurdle of talking about their accomplishments. Introverted women recoil from being the center of attention and often shut down in the company of their more extroverted colleagues. In male dominated workplaces their status as women means they are not included in key discussions. In the workplace you are expected to “brag on yourself” but this really means getting comfortable with talking about your activities and results.

It starts from within. Try reframing your accomplishments by remembering that by NOT sharing this information, others won’t know what you are contributing. Not only will you be deprived of access to important information, but you will lose out on opportunities to contribute to your growth and that of the company’s. So, make a commitment to share in ways that are comfortable for you; for instance provide regular written updates to your manager aside from just at performance review times.

Also make a point to schedule “walk arounds” or brief coffees with people in your internal and external networks so they can get to know you and learn about your background, expertise and values. If others know you beyond email exchanges, they are more likely to bring your name up when career options emerge.

You can also nurture the strong, deep relationships you have forged with others and those people will become your natural brand builders. You don’t have to promote yourself alone.

Politically savvy people understand the importance of building and nurturing mutually beneficial relationships. How do introverts approach building relationships of trust? What do they need to know about this?

Introverts penchant for one-on-one focused conversations allows them to build relationships, break through resistance and sell their ideas in a low keyway. They also tend to prefer depth vs. breadth so they take the necessary time to get to know people and understand their challenges and viewpoints in a comprehensive way. Having fewer, more meaningful relationships allows them to quietly advocate for people and provide support. When the time comes to collect on their own relationship investments, they receive pay offs.

An example: You offer to mentor a new employee and share your insights into a customer. When the time comes to ask that person to provide time and help on your latest project you can ask for it, knowing that you are both involved in a relationship of give and take.

The most effective and powerful networks are comprised of people who are willing and able to speak for you. They are not necessarily the people you already know and like. What advice do you have for introverts to move out of their comfort zone and reach out to people they don’t know?

Consider the Push strategy I talk about in The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength. That involves growing and stretching. Push until any more would be too much and any less not enough. Use your preferences like a thoughtful use of social media and writing.

For example, follow people on social media who interest you and make a comment on their blogs. Ask for an introduction from someone in your network. You might suggest having a face-to-face meeting with the three of you.

Make a point of speaking to someone new every day, even if it just a quick conversation. Some of those acquaintances will become contacts in an expanded network.

Also reach out by email to thought leaders and others in your industry and organization after following their work. React to their content and offer resources to them (ex. links to websites, videos). This is an effective way to initiate conversations and relationships.

In summary, both introverts and extroverts need to pay attention to the politics in order to successfully navigate their organization. As an introvert, it’s especially important to use your innate ability to observe and listen to gain the knowledge required to understand the dynamics. This is, in fact, your advantage over extroverts who may lack that focus.

The challenge for introverts, however, is to then take action. Their talent in forming deep relationships assists them to create the credibility and visibility required to be politically savvy. To be successful, they must identify allies and champions who can support their career aspirations and let others know the value they bring to the organization.

Want to learn how to successfully navigate office politics? Check out my book, The Politics of Promotion: How High Achieving Women Get Ahead and Stay Ahead