Next in this instalment of ‘TOO’ is the one for my deep-thinking friends. When your Boss tells you that you should speak up more, that you are too quiet.
In the workplace, it’s easy to feel pressured to conform to louder, more assertive communication styles. However, if you’ve been told you’re too quiet, it’s crucial to recognize that your strengths bring invaluable contributions to your team. Your quiet nature is not a shortcoming; it’s a different kind of power that offers deep insights, thoughtful analysis, and a harmonious, adaptable presence.
CliftonStrengths, formerly known as StrengthsFinder, identifies a range of personal strengths that individuals can leverage in their personal and professional lives. Some of these strengths may naturally align with a quieter, more introspective personality, which might be perceived as “too quiet” in certain workplace contexts. Here are a few CliftonStrengths themes that might be seen as too quiet:
Intellection®
Individuals with the Intellection theme are characterized by their introspective and thoughtful nature. They enjoy intellectual discussions and deep thinking, often preferring to reflect on ideas before sharing them. While this strength brings valuable insights, it might make them seem quiet, especially if they are more comfortable processing information internally.
Input®
People with the Input strength have a craving to know more and like to collect and archive information. They are often found reading, researching, and gathering data. This strength is highly valuable for in-depth understanding, but they might come across as reserved because they spend a lot of time absorbing information rather than vocalizing their thoughts immediately.
Harmony®
Those with the Harmony theme seek consensus and prefer to avoid conflict. They aim to find common ground and maintain peace within a group. This strength leads them to listen more than they speak, aiming to understand all perspectives before contributing their own. In doing so, they might be perceived as quiet or passive.
Deliberative®
Individuals with the Deliberative strength are careful and vigilant. They take serious care in making decisions and choices, thinking through all possibilities and risks. Their cautious nature often means they take their time to speak up, preferring to be thorough and precise, which might be interpreted as quietness.
Analytical®
The Analytical theme involves a deep understanding and search for reasons and causes. People with this strength love data and facts, often needing time to process and analyze information before sharing their conclusions. Their methodical approach can make them seem quiet as they think through issues deeply before speaking.
Context®
People strong in the Context theme enjoy thinking about the past. They understand the present by researching its history. This backward-looking perspective means they often spend time reflecting and considering historical precedents, which can make them seem reserved in discussions focusing on immediate, forward-thinking solutions.
Adaptability®
Individuals with Adaptability live in the moment and are flexible in their approach. They may seem quieter because they tend to go with the flow and adapt to others’ needs and directions rather than asserting their own ideas forcefully. Their easy-going nature can be misinterpreted as a lack of engagement or enthusiasm.
Restorative ™
Those with the Restorative strength love to solve problems. They enjoy the challenge of analyzing what is wrong and finding solutions. This problem-solving focus might lead them to be quieter as they work through issues internally before presenting solutions.
Strategies for Leveraging These Strengths
While these strengths might contribute to a perception of being too quiet, they also offer unique advantages. The loudest voice in the room doesn’t always offer the best insights.
Explain to your boss and colleagues that you might need valuable thinking time. You can say things like, “Can I have time to think about that?” Be sure to share how much time you need, 5 minutes, 50 minutes, 5 hours, etc.
Here are some strategies to leverage these strengths while ensuring your voice is heard:
Intellection: Schedule time to share your reflective insights in meetings or written reports, where your deep thinking can add value. Share something like, “My reflective approach means that when I do contribute, I bring depth and thoughtfulness that can lead to innovative solutions and strategies.”
Input: Create opportunities to present your well-researched findings to the team, emphasizing how your collected data supports decision-making. Share something like “By thoroughly researching and collecting data, I can provide our team with a wealth of information that supports our goals and enhances our knowledge base. I might need more time to research that”
Harmony: This can be such an untapped superpower, staying quiet through fear of rocking the boat. However, there is huge power in Harmony to ensure everyone’s voice is heard, including your own. To find the common ground. Try sharing “My inclination towards maintaining harmony means that I prioritize understanding and integrating different perspectives. While I might not be the most vocal, my contributions help ensure that our discussions are balanced and that everyone feels heard, ultimately fostering a more cohesive and collaborative team.”
Deliberative: Communicate your thorough decision-making process to colleagues, helping them understand the value of your careful consideration. Share something like “While I may not always be the first to speak, my careful consideration of all aspects ensures that my contributions are both strategic and low-risk, helping us make sound decisions.” You may see a risk to you in speaking up, but also think about the impact if you don’t speak up.
Analytical: Share your data-driven insights in presentations and reports, highlighting the evidence behind your conclusions. Try saying “Although I may initially appear reserved, my focus on data and analysis means that my insights are reliable and grounded in fact, which can be crucial for our decision-making processes.” Be aware that you don’t have analysis paralysis. Analytical is often paired with Deliberative above, again there might be a risk to speaking up. Look back at the data on yourself. How many times have you spoken up only to be shot down versus spoken up and offered valuable insights that helped the team make better decisions?
Context: Offer historical perspectives that can inform current strategies, showing how past experiences can guide present decisions. Try sharing the insights of your talents. “My ability to draw from past experiences allows me to provide valuable context that can prevent repeating past mistakes and build on our previous successes.”
Adaptability: Contribute your flexible solutions in team discussions, demonstrating how your adaptability can help navigate changing circumstances. Share “My ability to adapt means that I’m always ready to support whatever direction the team needs to go in. While I might not always be the loudest voice in the room, my quiet presence ensures that I can help steer us smoothly through changes and unexpected challenges, providing stability and support wherever it’s needed.”
Restorative: Present your problem-solving ideas in brainstorming sessions, showcasing your ability to identify and address challenges effectively. Share something like “My problem-solving focus means that I constantly seek ways to improve processes and resolve issues, which can greatly enhance our team’s efficiency and effectiveness. I might need some time to think about this”
Instead of striving to change who you are, focus on articulating the unique value you bring to your colleagues and supervisors. Share how your reflective, data-driven, or consensus-building approach enhances team dynamics and drives informed decision-making. By communicating the power of your strengths in your own way, you can ensure that your quiet demeanor is seen not as a limitation but as a remarkable asset that enriches your workplace.
Remember, being heard doesn’t always mean being loud. Your voice, grounded in your distinctive strengths, is powerful just as it is. Embrace it, communicate it, and let others see the amazing qualities you bring to the table. You are not too quiet—you are exactly what your team needs. Drop me an email if you would like your own Bring and Need report with language to articulate to others the power you bring.
