When I was in my early 20s, I was task-focused. Nothing wrong with that. The feedback I was receiving was about how professional and well-organised my approach to tasks was. I looked more distant and perhaps cold to colleagues who didn't know me well. Far from me the thought of building my network, creating connections or sharing about my struggles. If I had a tough day or struggled emotionally, well... it was all inside, my emotions tightly locked in.

Side note, and it was never a dream of mine to start a business. 😅

As an introvert with a lot of beliefs about how I "should" show up professionally at work, showing emotions was the last on my list. 😅 I thought that if I do a great job at doing my tasks, others will notice, without me needing to clearly articulate it, as it seemed obvious from my perspective.

And as introverts tend to be highly observant, I've noticed a few patterns. Studying psychology, coaching and effective leadership tendencies (and movies 😅), it dawned on me - it's all about people! duh lol

But it didn't come naturally to me! (Of course, The GC Index® explains it very well, but that's another post).

How can I move from ideas and task-focused to people in my work? Should I? Is it really THAT necessary?

The younger version of me struggled with this a lot, as she had many beliefs and emotional wounds that held her back. And yes, at 37 years old now and as a business owner, it's necessary.

Wound after wound healed, belief after belief overturned, perseverance guiding and pushing me, I've made peace with my natural inclinations and developed skills that make me an observant introvert of others' emotions, who sees and acknowledges with compassion and kindness others' journeys to unlocking their impact in the world.

☀️ As we are truly in this together. ☀️

My hope is that you, too, will acknowledge your strengths and natural inclinations. And in doing this, you will learn how to see others' contributions (that might differ from yours). You will develop, in time, an appreciation for beauty in others' hearts (in yours too), and the workplace will become an environment for growth, contribution, prosperity and purpose.

❓ What are some things you still struggle with as an introvert? (Feel free to message me, if uncomfortable to share in the comments).

Speak soon.
Ana