Standing Up for Yourself in the Corporate World
This can be a tough challenge for introverts (raises hand in solidarity). I’ve faced quite a struggle because of being “quiet.” I was told that I wasn’t assertive enough and wasn’t vocal enough. I needed to be seen more to be taken more seriously. This meant that my work wasn’t speaking for itself. I didn’t have advocates from leadership to speak on my behalf to senior leaders. This is why people who are more vocal or who speak up more often in meetings are promoted more frequently. It doesn’t mean they are more qualified; in some cases, they are the least qualified of anyone.
So, how do you tackle this issue?
Identify Opportunities to Be More Vocal:
Start by identifying areas where you can be more vocal. Don’t just speak up for the sake of it; bring value to the conversation. Prepare for your meetings by asking for agendas in advance or at least a synopsis. This allows you to prepare talking points and contribute more effectively. Being a bit more vocal in meetings will help you check the “be seen” and “be more vocal” boxes. Remember, we're just playing their game. I’ve rolled my eyes at many of the corporate demands, but changes don’t seem to be happening as quickly as we’d like.
Seek Guidance from Influential Colleagues:
Schedule one-on-one chats with colleagues you admire who seem to be good leaders (there’s a difference). Ask them about their strategies and seek feedback on their interactions with you. Most people are willing to share thoughtful tips to help you succeed.
Understand Manager Expectations:
Gain a clearer understanding from your manager about what they are looking for in their next leader. Take notes and document everything. Set goals with your manager and express your aspiration to become more visible and move into leadership. Follow through on these goals and hold your manager accountable for what happens once you start achieving them. If things don’t change after hitting your goals, it may be time to move on and apply your new knowledge to a company that will appreciate you more.
Overcome the Fear of Speaking Up:
Speaking up for yourself can be scary; it makes you more vulnerable and open to criticism. However, no one will go out of their way to notice your hard work or see past your quiet nature and recognize your potential for leadership. Unfortunately, this is the reality. Start speaking up little by little; it will become easier with time. Prepare for your meetings, create agendas, or write out questions ahead of time, especially if, like me, you find it challenging to think of questions or talking points off the top of your head. You don’t need to change who you are or become someone who can speak up without preparation. You are amazing as you are; we just need others to see and hear it, given the pitfalls of the corporate environment.
Additional Thoughts:
Standing up for yourself in the corporate world is not just about speaking up; it’s about creating a balance between maintaining your authenticity and meeting corporate expectations. Embracing small changes, like preparing for meetings and seeking feedback, can significantly impact how you're perceived. Remember, being an introvert doesn't diminish your capabilities. It simply requires strategic navigation within corporate structures to ensure your contributions are recognized and valued.
