You may have promo pros on your team who lean introverted. They might hesitate to speak up in meetings but share plenty of ideas one-on-one. In workplaces that reward fast talkers and quick responses, quieter voices often get overlooked. This can leave valuable ideas untapped and introverted employees feeling unheard.
Executive coach and author Joel Garfinkle says introverts usually need time to think through things before they speak. They want to fully develop their ideas, even as their more extroverted co-workers have already spoken up multiple times. This processing difference creates a workplace paradox, he says. A team’s success comes from multiple voices, and leaders should help all employees understand this. How can you help your quieter team members succeed? We share some tips from Garfinkle in this issue of PromoPro Daily.
Step 1: The stakes are real. Garfinkle recommends telling them: “You can’t afford to stay quiet in meetings anymore. Introversion explains how you communicate, but it can’t be an excuse for not contributing when your career depends on visibility.”
Step 2: Visibility requires voice. According to Garfinkle, you should then explain: “You need to step outside your comfort zone to get noticed by decision-makers. Learning to speak up confidently isn’t optional; it’s essential for advancement.”
Step 3: Your expertise matters. Finally, Garfinkle says you should emphasize: “Your knowledge and ideas need to be heard at every meeting. When you stay silent, you’re not just hurting your career, you’re withholding value from the team.” Everyone has a different perspective. Even if they don’t feel comfortable speaking first in meetings or leading conversations, they should still share their contributions.
The overall message to introverted employees, he says, should be clear and direct: “When you have a seat at the table, use it.” Whether they work in sales or marketing or some other role, help your team members understand that their ideas matter.
It’s normal for some people on teams to talk more freely while others hardly say a word. Just don’t assume the quiet ones don’t want to contribute. Garfinkle points out that research confirms that introverts process information differently, performing optimally in quiet, reflective environments rather than the rapid-fire dynamics of typical meetings. When you look for ways to ensure every voice is heard, everyone benefits.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Joel Garfinkle is recognized as one of the nation’s top 50 coaches. He’s an executive coach and the author of 11 books.
