Shyness May Hinder Career Advancement
Being shy is often seen as a hindrance to career advancement, but if you're managing a shy employee, there are ways to get the most out of the person's performance, while helping more gregarious people to see shyness in a new light.
Mark Shimada, a motivational speaker and performer in Seattle, Wash., says just as race, gender and age are forms of diversity, a shy personality can also be a difference that can offer contributions to the workplace.
"We'd all like to have more observers and good listeners at the table," Shimada says. "Shy people have often mastered the art of subtleties, and can make connections between things that aren't readily visible. Managers who are sensitive can invite those people to participate in a way that's safe."
Some examples:
In meetings, go around the table to ask everyone's opinion. "The echo of viewpoints can reinforce that it's safe and important to speak up," Shimada says. "Express appreciation for their thoughts, even if the shy person's idea is not adopted in the group mindset."
Take time to get to know shy employees, and build a level of trust that will allow you to talk about how a person's shyness is perceived at work.
"Let them know that they can be seen as not being a team player, or not caring about an issue," Shimada says. "Shyness can prevent a person from being considered for a leadership position, because no one knows what your point of view is."
In social gatherings, introduce the shy person to others, but don't act as a crutch. Suggest that the employee make it a personal goal to talk to at least one person at the gathering.
Place shy people strategically in roles where their shyness is a strength, and not a debilitating behavior. Have them be the experts that others need to interact with.
Create situations where shy people can take a risk, where there is no potential failure.
"I consider myself a quiet person, and I once had a business partner who dragged me out of the office and made me go go-cart racing with him and some others," Shimada says. "Our working relationship became very different because we shared in that playful experience. I've been the person who stands frozen in a party. I can tell people that if you don't ever take a risk, you'll never know how much you're respected and valued."