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| Awunli Eghosasere |
It may seem as though only extroverts can be influential personalities or become visible at work or in their community because of their boisterous nature, my own journey has taught me otherwise.
As an introvert, I found myself wielding influence in my community, and I think every introvert can as well. From my early twenties to my early thirties, I didn’t have a clue that there were personality types. I just knew there were things I hated. Things like going out often. I cherished staying indoors and reading lots of things. It dawned on me now why people referred to me as a home girl, a recluse, and a quiet girl. I could walk into a place, stay there, and you would never know I was there. I was often praised, especially by my wooers and elderly people, for being very quiet.
So, in order to get ahead, I devised the following strategies:
Self-Awareness
My journey to becoming influential started when I became very much aware of who I am. It made me understand the things that I was good at, and I strategized ways to amplify my strengths to my advantage. Firstly, I took ownership of those areas that I had strengths in and recognized them as something of high value. Secondly, I discovered my purpose—my why. And this made me feel so powerful.
Prior to the time of self-discovery, I went along with whatever my peers or close friends said. I thought their opinion mattered more than mine. I was drowned in their own voices and couldn’t find mine because I had none. When I became self-aware, I became self-confident. And I felt so powerful.
Approachable and likeable,
Since it is difficult for me as an introvert to walk up to people and start engaging them in a conversation, I made up my mind to be approachable. I find it weird to just walk up to people and ask them their name and get on with chatter. I make it easy for people to come to me by not leaving a frown on my face or putting up an "I am better than you" attitude. I noticed that when my countenance is unwelcoming, I repel people away.
One’s countenance shows people if they are able to access you or not. Since I can’t take the first step, I make it easy for others to take the lead. And when they do, I show interest in them by listening when they speak. I also give good compliments where the need arises-- when they are looking good or doing well. This endears them to me. I have done this over and over again and it works. After conversations, people leave empowered, and that spreads my name in the community.
Again, people have often told me that I have a likeable personality. That is because I don’t find it difficult to give a good laugh when in conversation with others. This is done to make them feel valued and that they matter. I make them feel comfortable, and I try not to forget their names either. People are happy when you call them by name, especially followers. It lets them know they are important to you.
A good sense of Humor
I particularly use this when I have to give talks or any form of public speaking. I start with a good story. I started using this when I noticed that whenever I am in a crowd listening to a speaker give his or her talk, the stories they tell put me in a lighter mood and in a mental position to take in the information being shared. So anytime I get in front of a crowd to share an idea or give a talk, I make sure I add stories at every interval and a little bit of humor to make people laugh and feel relaxed. Sharing information in this way leaves a great impression about me in the minds of those who hear me speak. I have received great and positive feedback doing this.
Empathy
I try to put myself in other people’s situations most of the time. It gives me the aptitude to show them love and care in their most vulnerable moments. I don’t dive right into being judgmental or dishing out condemnation. This strategy, I have noticed, empowers people and energizes them to overcome situations where it is within their control.
I also try to check up on people to know how they are faring and to let them know that I care. Trust me, people never forget when you help them. They always leave good remarks about you and that even let more people know about who you are in the community.
Adding value
Before now, I could belong to small groups and I would do nothing. But now I look for ways to contribute to any group or community to which I belong.This has helped me become a valuable member of my community, and it keeps me at the top of the minds of decision makers.
No one will think much of you when you don’t add value. You may be relegated to the background. When it comes to succeeding in your business or career, you will have to become visible, and you do this by adding value and going the extra mile. This will make people remember your contribution, and the thought of you will be impressed in their minds when a bigger door opens up.
I Prioritize Impact
I ensure I contribute to other people’s lives. When I see a need in someone’s life and I have the resources to meet that need, I make sure I do it. I always get feedback about how I have helped improve someone’s life and impacted someone else’s journey, and that spreads good mentions about me in my community.
Knowledgeable
As an introvert who has a natural tendency to be quiet, you could pass as someone who has an empty head. People will assume that you don’t know anything. And most of the time, we are treated based on the perception people have of us. We could be assigned great or terrible roles in work places just because we are perceived in a certain light.
I make it a point to stay current on current events, my field of specialization, and just one or two things about something.This helps me contribute to conversations. I may be quiet, but I speak when I need to, and when I do, heads turn because knowledge is coming from me. In cases where I know nothing to say, I make sure I ask questions. And I have also observed that when I ask questions, they are usually profound.
I have made a remarkable impact in my community, and I am proud of myself. I also get lots of commendations from within and outside my community. Indeed, being an introvert is not, in any way, a handicapped personality. You too can be a force to be reckoned with.