The Quiet One
Dear Sue:
I started a new job about one and a half years ago. I work in a big call center with about 250 people. I am the quiet person in the department. Everyday I try to be myself and be assertive, but I feel as though I am not interesting enough for my co-workers. I really wish I could take my mask off and let go, but can’t seem to do it. We have to be professional in the office, so maybe that is what is holding me back; it’s not easy to be goofy and joke around in a professional environment.
I feel as though I am in my own little world. I am starting to notice that people don't talk to me very much. I wish they would give me a chance because they don’t even know me, yet I realize I don’t let them. What is wrong with me?
– The quiet one
Sue Says:
I don’t think anything is wrong with you – you are simply quiet, and probably more introverted than a lot of the people you work with. You have really given this some thought, and I commend you for taking such an honest look at yourself, which you may not have done if you were always involved with others.
Try not to be so hard on yourself for your lack of connection to others. Your coworkers bear some of the responsibility too. Reaching out shouldn’t be one sided and they could do more to reach out to you too.
Don’t feel as though you have to wait to be approached to approach others. If you find that people don’t initiate conversations with you, why don’t you initiate conversation with them?
While a professional environment needn’t be rigid or stuffy, you are wise to maintain a level of decorum in your conversation and behavior.
My advice for you is to try to let go of worrying about being interesting enough for others. You don’t need to joke around or goofy; if you try to be someone you aren’t it will be evident to others and you risk appearing phony.
Be yourself – no one can do it better than you!
-- Sue Morem is a professional speaker, best-selling author and syndicated columnist. Her books include How to Gain the Professional Edge, 101 Tips for Graduates, and the just released How to Get a Job and Keep It, Second Edition. You can send questions to her by email at asksue@suemorem.com or visit her web site at http://www.suemorem.com.
Read more of Sue’s articles by clicking here: Ask Sue
Leave a comment