Are you an introverted Project Manager? Being an introverted person comes with a unique set of challenges when working with others, and managing projects as introvert is no exception. However, not all hope is lost. In fact, introverts can learn to become great project manager, leaders and even elite-level professionals. Let’s dive in to the details of being introverted, and how one can be successful managing projects as an introvert!
I am an introverted project manager. After a day of non-stop meetings, phone calls and emails, I am exhausted. I have a constant stream of thoughts running through my mind, and they get more of my attention than they probably deserve. Almost never do I have a meeting that I’m not stressing over, or at least thinking about, in the hours and minutes prior to the start. I am hyperaware of myself and others, and I can sense when others are feeling negative emotions, dealing with frustration or misunderstanding each other – these things are draining for me.
However, I feel great after time alone. Whether it be exercising, reading or something similar, I feel I can finally ‘let go’ when spending some time by myself. It’s as if weight is lifted off my shoulders when the day is finally done, and the phone won’t ring until tomorrow. I don’t mind spending time with others socially, but am just as happy working on my own projects and just chilling all weekend long.
Does this sound like you?
What Is An Introvert?
According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, an introvert is “a reserved or shy person who enjoys spending time alone“. Introversion is defined as “the state of or tendency toward being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one’s own mental life“.
People who are introverted typically become energized when alone, and expend energy when with others. They prefer small, close-knit social gatherings rather than crowded dance floors. They prefer to get their work ‘slid under the door’, rather than constantly working with other people.
I don’t mean to contradict Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, but I will point out one thing. An introvert isn’t necessarily shy. In fact, they may be the life of the party. This is because introverts can still have vibrant senses of humor, have interest in others and even feel outgoing in certain environments.
The difference though, is they’ll be totally fatigued after doing so, and may choose to avoid being social for a while afterwards.
Does this all sound strange and irrational? Being an introvert is difficult to understand unless you are one. However, we introverts aren’t off the hook – we live in a society, have family to care for and people who care about us – most of us can’t just be alone 24/7.
Why Do Introverts Struggle With Project Management?
At face value, project management may seem like the perfectly wrong career path for an introverted person. And without the ability to manage one’s own mental state, it is! Managing projects as an introvert is problematic for the following reasons:
- Being the center of attention and the person with all the answers. An introverted Project Manager can find this overwhelming.
- Constant interruptions by others drain introverts of their much-needed alone time.
- High pressure to perform and get things done on time is stressful for anyone, but ‘getting away from it all’ just isn’t possible during crunch time.
- The words of demanding clients and blunt bosses can stay inside the mind an introverted Project Manager more than for others.
- Working closely with other people can be taxing.
- Having to confront others when they’re late, wrong or underperforming can be scary.
- Long hours may restrict alone time, during which essential recharging takes place.
So what’s an introverted Project Manager to do?
Can An Introverted Person Ever Become An Extrovert?
Good news and bad news.
The bad news? If you’re born an introvert, you’ll probably always be one – at least in regards to your energy levels; both what drains you and recharges you, your inner thoughts and enjoying your alone time.
The good news? It doesn’t matter. According to the article, the simple desire to change may be enough to make huge strides towards extroversion.
It is important to note, however, that becoming less introverted almost ALWAYS includes stepping out of your comfort zone! Fear not though, because this is a measured and calculated process.
Becoming more extroverted involves tackling one area of your personality at a time: your ability to communicate clearly and effectively, setting boundaries, being organized and efficient, becoming more comfortable in front of others and managing stress levels are a few examples of specific areas introverts can improve to become a more extroverted person, and even enjoy the process.
Are There Any Famous Introverted Managers?
Yes! There are many famous introverts. Check out the list below of several famous introverts, who have all gone on to be extremely successful in their respective industries:
In business: you may be surprised to learn that Warren Buffet, Elon Musk and Bill Gates are known introverts. These men are some of the most successful business people of all time.
In sports: superstars like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Kobe Bryant are all introverted.
In Socio-Political Realms: you probably recognize figures such as Rosa Parks, Eleanor Roosevelt, Abe Lincoln, Winston Churchill and Gandhi. All introverts.
In Entertainment: high-profile entertainers such as Meryl Streep, Emma Watson, Audrey Hepburn and Angelina Jolie fall into the introvert category.
Check out this list for even more names of famous introverts.
13 Essential Tips For An Introverted Project Manager
It’s not exactly easy being an introverted manager but as we said above, it’s entirely possible to reach whatever goal you have for yourself without changing yourself completely. Here is a list of 13 essential tips we can use while managing projects as an introvert.
- Reserve alone time at work to get your own tasks done without interruption. I prefer to front-load my day by coordinating with others in the morning, and doing my own work in the afternoon.
- Get to work early. Even an extra 30-60 minutes of quiet time in the morning will help you get organized, plan and not feel like you’re reacting to everything.
- Learn to listen to what others are saying. The easiest way to do this is to ask them questions. This will gain people’s trust, move things along and allow you to steer a conversation without forcing it.
- When you’re anxious, ask yourself “why?”. We may not have the choice to feel anxiety, but we do have the right to ask questions! Often, it’s based on a silly reason, such as fear others will think we’re stupid, or tell us so, which leads us to…
- Other people’s opinions are not in our control. Just accept it, it’s more fun that way. Besides…
- Other people have their own insecurities, worries and problems to worry about! They don’t have time to worry about that one thing you said during a meeting, and that you’re worried they’ll think you’re ___________. And even if they did, it’d be for a moment, and they’d move on.
- Focus on milestones and objectives, and let them dictate the next steps. Whether the objective is the outcome of a meeting, hitting a due date or even just a conversation with someone, milestones and objectives are your navigational beacons.
- Stick to the rules. If you’re hesitant when confronting others, it will make you feel more at ease when you are enforcing rules and requirements, rather than feeling like you are personally confronting someone.
- Learn to be assertive, without being aggressive. Calmly stating your opinion, objectively calling someone out when they’re wrong without insult and clearly communicating deadlines or requirements are all ways that make managing projects as an introvert much easier.
- Have good processes in place. Setting projects up the right way from the beginning will minimize those periods of insanity that are quite draining. This includes procedures, regular meetings, deadlines, etc.
- Realize that other people aren’t always right – the person who speaks the loudest simply WANTS to be right, which doesn’t mean anything.
- Take the pressure off yourself to be perfect. No one is.
- Learn how to relax after work, and actually do it. No one will care about your personal well-being more than you.
Being An Introverted Project Manager In Summary
Managing projects as an introvert is not easy. As you can see, us introverts start the project management game with a few major disadvantages. But thankfully, obstacles associated with being an introvert can be overcome, and introverted people can reach an elite level in nearly any field by practicing a few simple things.
I hope this article has been helpful for you. Now get out there an be a top-tier project manager that just happens to be an introvert!
