Mastering collaboration as an introvert

For an introvert, the mere thought of teamwork can be their worst nightmare. According to psychologist Carl Jung, introverts turn to their internal thoughts to restore their mental wellbeing. But there are many personality traits and characteristics that an introvert might possess, such as:

• Focusing on their inner thoughts
• Dislike of large groups of people
• Reflective
• Prefer peace and quiet to concentrate
• Feeling drained and tired after spending time with groups of people
• Like spending time alone
• Being shy around other people

It can be extremely daunting for an introvert working in an environment where there are lots of people and their job requires them to collaborate and attend meetings. These kinds of social situations can create negative emotions, including nervousness, a sense of failure, overwhelm, and fear, which can lead to anxiety, stress and depression in the long term.

So how can introverts overcome the daily challenges of a bustling work environment where regular meetings are structured for collaboration and extroverts?

1. Spend time reading through papers or meeting agendas prior to the event and brainstorm while you’re alone. This will take some of the pressure off when you’re in a group of people and you’re suddenly expected to come up with ideas. Doing the legwork beforehand and planning in advance can ease some of the pressure. 
2. Practise speaking up in groups of people and over time it will get easier. Maybe write a few points down before the meeting and aim to communicate at least one of the points. Gradually increase the number of points you raise. This is a great way to become more confident in your communication.
3. Ask your manager if you can have some time following back-to-back or lengthy meetings so that you are able to spend time alone and recharge your batteries.
4. Whenever possible, request one-on-one meetings or smaller team sessions with only those colleagues that are absolutely needed.
5. Flexible and remote working is more widely accepted now so if your job allows, work from home and collaborate online instead. 
6. Request that larger group meetings operate a round robin system so that everyone gets their chance to speak, this means you won’t have to try and talk over people to be heard.

Finally, remember that we all have different personality types and although introverts might struggle more with communicating in large groups, they have other skills that are equally as important when it comes to collaboration. According to a study published by Harvard Business Review, introverts very often make great leaders because of their ability to listen, build positive relationships and empathise deeply. These skills should be cherished because they could help introverts become highly successful in their field.

Ways to work smarter, not harder

In our busy lives, making time for ourselves is paramount so that we avoid burnout from working too hard. It’s easy to become so wrapped up in our working lives that we neglect our personal needs. For decades, studies have proven that burnout can have serious effects on both our mental and physical health, including increased risk of heart disease and stroke, poor sleep, anxiety, stress, depression and even suicide in some cases. Not only are we putting our bodies and minds at risk when we overwork ourselves, but we are less likely to perform to the best of our abilities.

So often we think that by putting in longer hours we will gain more respect from our boss, receive pay rises and promotions, or reach higher targets, but this isn’t always the case, and we can damage our health in the process.

The Harvard Medical School recorded the results from a study that reported the links between longer working hours and health issues. It showed that “overwork and work stress are also associated with many cardiac risk factors. Those who work long hours tend to have unhealthy lifestyles, with less exercise, worse diets, and higher consumption of alcohol and tobacco.” Also, those who worked longer hours increased their risk of heart attack and were more likely to suffer from a stroke.

How to be more productive

So how can we work fewer hours and be more productive so that we have more time to focus on our personal lives? These simple tips will help you to work less and achieve more:

• Prioritise – Switch off your devices (unless you need them for the task at hand) and list all your priority jobs with an achievable deadline. Forget about multi-tasking or having a chat with your colleagues until you have completed the task. It’s very easy to become distracted, especially in a busy work environment, so switch off from everything that’s going on around you.
• Take breaks – Factor short breaks into your list of deadlines. More regular, shorter breaks ensure that you rest your mind and body so that you don’t become overtired or stressed. When we push ourselves too hard and don’t take breaks, we are much more likely to experience burnout, which can be counter-productive to our work.
• Stay healthy – Drink plenty of water and eat small, healthy snacks throughout the day. This will keep your brain and body functioning to its full potential, and make sure you don’t skip main mealtimes. Make time for exercise each week, even if it’s just 20 minutes each day as you’ll feel more energised and in a more positive frame of mind.
• Keep it brief – If you need to make a phone call to a client, attend a meeting or assist a colleague, practise keeping the conversation to a minimum (without being rude, of course). It can be easy to get caught up in unnecessary chit-chat that is neither beneficial to the company or the task you’re working on.
• Ask for help – If you find yourself spending too much time researching how to do something, why not ask a colleague who has the appropriate experience to show you how it’s done? This can save you lots of time scrolling through the internet searching for solutions or making the same mistakes over again.

Imposter syndrome and the pitfalls of faking it ‘til you make it

Imposter syndrome, the feeling that you’re not good enough and that you’ve reached where you are by chance, is often experienced by people in the workplace. Perhaps you believe you’re a fraud and are afraid you’re going to be caught out and even lose your job. Maybe you’ve just started a new job or you’ve been given a promotion at your present place of work but you’re worried that you won’t be able to do the job properly.

Imposter syndrome can arouse a range of negative thoughts and emotions such as a lack of self-confidence, anxiety, stress and even depression if it isn’t nipped in the bud. These kinds of emotions can play havoc with your mental and physical wellbeing and can lead to more serious, long-term illness.

You’ve probably heard the term 'faking it ‘til you make it' which many people refer to when they are feeling out of their depth in their job. Although there are occasions when it’s good to remain positive, putting yourself through intense situations that you feel you’re unprepared for can be a detrimental tactic that will lead to trouble in the long run.

Why faking it is a poor option

If you constantly suffer in silence and pretend that you’re coping when you’re not, there’s a good chance you’ll start making mistakes at work. Not only can a lack of sleep due to severe stress and anxiety play a part in your downfall but you could end up destroying relationships with colleagues who might begin to resent you for not doing the job properly.

How to deal with imposter syndrome

There are ways, however, that you can overcome the debilitating effects of imposter syndrome and even become confident in your role.

It’s inevitable when starting a new job that there are going to be learning curves and it’s likely that your boss will be aware of this. Firstly, admit to yourself that you’re struggling before you admit this to your boss. What’s worse, having a slightly bruised ego or continuing along your present path of mental suffering? Before you speak to your boss, identify the main problems you’re having and try to think of a solution.

Maybe there’s one particular area that’s causing you the most stress so suggest to your boss that they give you extra training or sign you up for a course. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised at how your boss handles the situation and they might even suggest alternative solutions before you do. Management at work have a duty to look after their staff’s mental wellbeing so they should be approachable and understanding. Just imagine the weight that will be lifted once you get your concerns off your chest, and that alone could save you many sleepless nights and anxiety.

Once you’re in a better place emotionally and mentally, you’ll find that other tasks you were struggling with become a little easier because you feel more confident and are focusing more clearly.

According to studies by the American Psychological Association, seven out of ten people suffer from imposter syndrome. Remember that imposter syndrome is more common than you think, and you are not alone in believing that you’re a fake.

Ways of coping with job insecurity

In light of Covid-19, there are millions of people across the globe who will have suffered from job insecurity. Although sometimes it can be comforting to know that others are going through something similar to us, it doesn’t always resolve these unpredictable types of situation.

Whether you’re self-employed and have lost essential clients or have been furloughed by your present employer, the fear of losing your job will undoubtedly be playing on your mind. Needless to say, this ongoing anxiety and stress can affect your mental and physical wellbeing in a manner of ways. Research by the Department of Psychology at the University of Oviedo looked at the relationship between job insecurity and mental health and found that: “coping strategies play a moderating role”.

It’s natural for us humans to want a sense of security, especially when we need money to pay the bills and put food on the table, but what can we do when we feel like the rug might be pulled from underneath us at any given moment?

Ways to deal with job insecurity

1. Try to gain perspective and not overly worry before events occur. Although it’s easier said than done, by keeping a positive mindset, you will suffer less from anxiety and feel more prepared to deal with any eventuality.
2. Take time to look at your situation and imagine the worst-case scenario then start to put plans into place. Once you’ve done this, you’ll have already dealt with any negative outcomes mentally and be in a better state of mind should it occur in reality.
3. If you are still employed, up your game at work by taking on more responsibilities as this will not only make you more invaluable, but it will also keep you focused on the present moment.
4. Whether you’re currently furloughed or in still in employment, try growing your skillset. As well as making yourself more desirable for a future role if you do face unemployment, it will add more strings to your bow and make you feel more confident.
5. Don’t forget to take time out for pampering your mental and physical wellbeing. By practising activities such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness, you will significantly reduce your levels of stress and anxiety, which will help you cope with job insecurity.
6. Even if you’re not yet in a position where you need to seek alternative work, update your CV and keep a look out for other opportunities. This will put you ahead of the game and you will feel less helpless and desperate should you suddenly face redundancy. 

Ways to deal with jealousy at work

When the green-eyed monster rears its head at work, it can have a serious impact on your mental wellbeing as well as creating conflict in the workplace. But how can you recognise when someone is jealous of you and what can you do to put a stop to their bullying tactics?

There are many reasons why a colleague, or even a manager may feel jealousy towards you:

• Your appearance
• Your success at work
• Your popularity and relationships with other colleagues
• You earn more money than them
• They want your job
• Your personal life

Initially, their jealousy might go unnoticed but the more the person compares themselves to you, resentment can quickly creep in. This can be extremely damaging to everyone involved especially if the person wants to create problems for you at work.

Dealing with a jealous colleague

To begin with, you might question yourself about whether you’re reading too much into a person’s behaviour but after a while, their jealousy will become more evident. Here are some actions you can take to nip it in the bud:

If you’ve become the subject of gossip or you’re suddenly finding yourself being excluded from work activities, you could find that the person at the centre of it all has an ulterior motive. This can be really upsetting and might make you question yourself, which can lead to feelings of rejection and loneliness.

Remember, workplace gossip and exclusion are forms of bullying and shouldn’t be tolerated. Firstly, speak to your manager about how you’re feeling, but if you prefer not to notify management straight away, try talking to the person that is instigating this behaviour. Speak calmly, try not to appear defensive and explain that you’ve noticed the rift and ask if they have a reason for acting this way. By doing this you’re showing maturity as well as letting the person know that you are aware of their actions. The chances are they might deny their jealousy, but if you suggest working together positively in the interests of the company, it could put an end to any future incidents.

Although you might be over the moon about a recent promotion or pay rise, not everyone will be happy to hear it! To avoid any jealous reactions from colleagues, perhaps keep the good news between yourself and close friends who are more likely to celebrate your successes.

Another great way to tackle jealous behaviour is by making the offender feel included. Everyone loves a compliment so find things that you can praise them for. Jealousy tends to be triggered by insecurity so by making them feel good about themselves, you can become their ally rather than their enemy.

Try not to take it personally

Even though it might feel as though you’re being singled out, try to understand that the person might be reacting in a certain way because they are unhappy in themselves. Try not to react negatively to their behaviour as this could add fuel to the fire and might even end up making other colleagues disrespect you. Rise above the jealousy and, if anything, take it as a compliment.

In this article published by Science Daily, it refers to a study undertaken by Joel Koopman from the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business who investigated the causes of envy in the workplace. It’s an interesting read and gives a deeper understanding of jealousy issues.

Inspiring your workforce

There’s no question this past year has been a tough one, leaving many of us feeling anxious, stressed and suffering from depression. It’s no surprise that motivation levels may have fallen through the floor, but what can you do to inspire and motivate your workforce?

It’s most likely your employees won’t thank you for toughening targets and deadlines, yet for your business to succeed, you still need to see a certain level of achievement from your team. Some of your employees might be working from home while some might still be furloughed but there are ways to inspire them without being insensitive to their current situation.

More than anything, most people need to feel valued so by taking a few steps to show your appreciation for the work they do, you can instil a more positive attitude and enhanced wellbeing.

Show appreciation

You don’t have to spend the entire company budget, just a small gesture such as an email or letter thanking your team for their contributions can have a positive effect. Make sure each message is personal and relates to their individual performance rather than the company as a whole.

Equip your team

If you have staff that work from home, ensure they have all the equipment they need to perform their job to the best of their ability. Trying to work with inadequate equipment can increase stress levels and decrease motivation.

Encourage personal interaction

Stay engaged with your employees and encourage them to interact with one another so that they continue to make social connections. It doesn’t always have to be work related either; a monthly online quiz or catch-up chat via video calls can uplift peoples’ spirits and make them feel valued.

Be genuinely caring

Have regular one-to-one chats with your team to check in on their mental health. Knowing that your boss sincerely cares about your wellbeing is one of the greatest motivators and is much more likely to inspire you than being reprimanded for any under-performance.

Be a motivational teacher 

Successful leaders lead by example so it’s equally as important to look after your own mental health in order to teach and inspire without lecturing.

Listen to your employees

Take on board what your employees have to say. If they have ideas for their role or the company, consider how you can help implement them and don’t dismiss them before you’ve even taken the time to consider them properly.

Utilise the talents and skills of your team

By allowing someone to play to their strengths, they will more likely want to prove their abilities and work harder to succeed. It might be the case that you allocate tasks they wouldn’t normally undertake, but this can inspire personal growth and you might just find that their skills are better placed elsewhere in the company.

Nurture don’t micro-manage

The moment an employee feels that their every move is being scrutinised, they’ll start to feel under pressure and afraid to take risks. By giving staff the freedom to take control and accountability for the work they do, they will grow in confidence and want to step up to the mark.


For more information on how to inspire your workforce, check out this handy study and guide from Motivates.

Inclusivity in the workplace

Inclusivity covers a wealth of issues in the workplace to ensure that all staff aren’t excluded based on their race, class, age, sexuality, disability or gender. As human beings, we are naturally social creatures and we need to feel a sense of belonging, even at work. Exclusion, which is also classed as a form of bullying, can be detrimental to a person’s mental health and wellbeing.

Types of exclusion

• Social exclusion can take the form of organising activities inside or outside of work which not all employees are able to take part in for a variety of reasons. Or it might be something as simple as not allowing someone to join in a conversation at lunch time.
• Offering praise only to certain individuals.
• Gossiping.
• Offering opportunities such as training courses and promotions, or even pay rises, to only a select group of people or one individual.
• Ignoring someone’s opinions or ideas in a meeting for example and not allowing them to have a voice in the company.
• Repeatedly giving unwanted tasks to one person or overloading them with work.
• Not allowing employees access to the same or essential resources.

While some instances of exclusion are blatantly deliberate others may be unintentional, but the outcome can be equally as damaging to the person who is feeling excluded.

The impact of exclusion

Owing to the effects of exclusion, prolonged stress can increase the levels of cortisol in the body and lower the immune system which may result in a number of physical problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Some of the effects of exclusion on mental wellbeing can include:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Reduced quality of sleep
• Anger
• Low self-esteem

Ways to make the workplace more inclusive

In a study undertaken by Harvard Business Review, it was found that not only does inclusivity provide employees with a sense of belonging, but workplace exclusion also “generates hefty financial losses”. So, as well as benefitting the physical and mental wellbeing of staff, making the workplace more inclusive is also conducive for business.

If you want to ensure your workplace is inclusive, here are some tips for getting started.

• Do your research about any differences that your staff might have and be open minded. 
• One to one meetings – ask if there is anything that your staff need to carry out their job effectively and provide any necessary resources. By giving regular feedback to all staff and making sure they are praised as well as being given ways to improve, you’ll build a trusting relationship.
• Avoid talking about employees in a negative manner to anyone else in the company.
• Organise social activities that everyone can attend or maybe even let employees take it in turns to choose an activity of their choice.
• Use inclusive language, i.e. spouse or partner rather than husband/boyfriend/wife, etc.
• Create inclusive spaces at work, such as a prayer room.
• Provide inclusivity training for staff members so that everyone, not just the managers, practises inclusivity.
• Be flexible with different religious holidays and allow flexible working hours for anyone who might have parental or carer responsibilities.
• Wherever possible make the workplace accessible for anyone with disabilities.