Oh the myths about we introverts are endless, unfortunately though it happens with our continued collusion. In this episode, my invitation is for we introverts to recognise and utilise our voices to effectively so we confidently debunk these myths while showing up as our authentic and unapologetic self.

Our well-thought through and clearly presented contributions often command more respect than our louder counterparts. It is our deep thinking and clarity that enhances the quality and value of conversations by focusing on what truly matters.

Our think-say-think communication process is a power, so is our ability to build deeper connections. Let's dive right in.

*** Key Points ***

• Recognise our introvert strengths.
• Amplify our voice selectively and intentionally.
• Identify and choose the right platform to show up.

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

With so much noise around us in both work and social settings, how do we quieter ones function effectively?

Drawing from my nearly 50 years of corporate experience, I discuss societal biases towards the extravert ideal that starts in childhood and extends through education and professional environments. It's these settings and other's expectations that often pressure we introverts to significantly alter our behaviour which potentially harms our wellbeing.

I believe it is imperative therefore for we introverts to understand the personal cost of sacrificing our authentic self for the sake of conforming to an ideal that is not ours. We can still use our introvert strengths like thoughtful problem solving and meaningful listening effectively without succumbing to external pressures.

So how do we set social boundaries while remaining nonconfrontational in order to prioritise our wellbeing? Let's explore!

*** Key Points ***

• Maintain authenticity amidst societal biases.
• Embrace introverted strengths confidently.
• Set boundaries assertively in all contexts.

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

In this episode, I explore the significance of emotional intelligence (EI) for we introverts who are either climbing the career ladder or seeking a more fulfilling life. We explore the origins of EI that was then popularised by Daniel Goleman.

It would be remiss of me to talk origins in this way without mentioning Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

Understanding this history helps us appreciate how these theories have evolved over time and why they are still relevant.

I believe choosing leaders with robust emotional intelligence is necessary to mitigate our current global crisis by challenging the outdated corporate mindset. By enhancing our EI through actionable feedback and developing a rich emotional vocabulary, we can lead more meaningful lives with stronger interpersonal connections

*** Key Points ***

• Emotional Intelligence vs. Cognitive Intelligence.
• Techniques to enhance EI include feedback.
• Introversion isn't an excuse for poor skills.

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

Let's talk about the confidence-building strategies specifically crafted for we introverts. Drawing from personal experience, I recount receiving feedback that suggested a lack of confidence, a common misconception about we introverts often compared unfairly to extraverts.

I also explore what true confidence entails, aligning with Dr. Rob Yeung’s definition: taking effective action despite fear.

Developing quiet confidence involves understanding one's strengths and maintaining emotional balance through self-care and mindfulness practices. I address the myth that introverts lack confidence and highlight how we can embrace our innate strengths to show up strategically and authentically.

#Introverts #Confidence #FlourishingIntroverts

*** Key Points ***

• Quiet confidence vs arrogance
• Strategies for cultivating enduring habits and attitude.
• Important role of authenticity.

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

What does genuine self-care for introverts look like?

Often misconstrued as superficial indulgences, true self-care requires a deeper understanding of our 'wants' versus our 'needs'. While 'wants' are akin to icing on a cake, nice for sure, but essential? Not really!

The real substance lies in addressing our core needs.

In this episode I to help you identify and prioritise the deep-seated aspects that contribute to mental, emotional, physical, and equally important social well-being. I also talk about the 'needs chart' which is a valuable visual aid to help communicate and understand personal needs within families and teams.

Let's explore this together.

*** Key Points ***

• • Distinguish between 'wants' vs. 'needs'.
  • Adapt routines based on changing needs.
  • Use a ‘needs chart’ for clarity.

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

This I believe is the right time for this episode for we introverts with festive season at its peak.

I explore how we socialise on our own terms during the high-energy, high expectation festive season. As an introvert myself, I've often faced misconceptions that I'm antisocial, shy or arrogant.

Apparently, introverts avoid people. We do not. It is about managing our social and emotional energy wisely. It is more about how societal pressures affect we introverts both at work and in family situations.

It is about respecting our own boundaries while giving ourselves the permission to enjoy social events meaningfully. It is about being discerning with invites using our personal selective socialisation blueprint.

*** Key Points ***

• Understand and respect our boundaries with social invites.
• Communicating polite yet firm 'no'
• Set your intentions mindfully

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

The very first ally we need is ourselves. This could not be more true for we introverts as well.

In this episode, I explore the concept of self-allyship for we introverts and how it differs from advocacy.

Previously, I discussed advocating for system-level change to support introverts. However, self-allyship is about providing personal support and encouragement in a world that often favours extraversion. Drawing on my 30 years as a leadership and skills trainer, I emphasise the importance of embracing one's nature while combatting societal biases.

It is in fact necessary that we become our own ally to navigate internalised negative beliefs and systemic biases.

*** Key Points ***

• Embrace change with self-responsibility.
• Counteract internalised negative beliefs.
• Create environments conducive to growth.

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.

Celebrating Episode 250 together, can you believe it?

Do I, an Open Introvert, have any strengths to offer in a world of loud, confident, and spontaneous extraverts, that anyone will take notice of or find valuable?

Having been there and asked that question of and for myself I take a deep dive into some of the unique strengths and inherent gifts that we introverts bring to both life and work. This episode may be a little uncomfortable or awkward for some of the listeners but it is a topic I believe we need to explore with positive intention.

We introverts tend to undervalue our strengths and abilities due to societal bias towards the extravert ideal. My aim is to empower fellow introverts by helping them acknowledge and celebrate their unique introvert strengths.

I encourage to take stock of your personal strengths and redefine how you can articulate them in professional and personal life for broader recognition and respect.

*** Key Points ***

• Recognising undervalued introvert strengths.
• Understanding flourishing as an ongoing process.
• Redefining strength articulation professionally.

*** Resources ***

Visit https://hub.flourishingintroverts.com/resourcesp for tools and resources mentioned during the podcast.