• Replies 8 replies
  • Subscribers 12 subscribers
  • Views 5061 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related

How do you cope as an introvert in HR in an extroverted culture?

Richard
Hi All,
I was just wondering how any of you who have a more introverted personality cope with a company that has a extroverted kind of culture (I can't really think of a better way to describe it).
I've just taken a new role and like to think that I was hired for my relevant skills such as employment law knowledge, recruitment ability, advisory skills, etc but I'm starting to wonder if they thought they were also getting someone who will be the life and soul of the party, run the social committee and that sort of thing.
To be completely honest I am terrified of public speaking and I don't really have any desire to be seen if that makes sense but I am starting to feel (and worry) that my remit is also to plan and run social events. As someone in my mid 40s with a young baby, at this stage in my career and life it just feels like too much on top of an already insane workload.
Someone has approached me today and suggested a quiz at the next company all-hands, sounds good and happy to support it but upon suggesting it, they want me to essentially organise it all and have suggested I be the quizmaster which is massively out of my comfort zone.
Parents
  • Hi Richard.
    To be honest I could have written this myself so I completely understand where you're coming from. I'm always the one who is expected to organise the Christmas party, work days out/events etc and it's my worst nightmare. I hate it, I overthink it and then I bury my head in the sand with it which I know isn't the best way to deal with it but it's my automatic defense mechanism. My Line Manager is aware I struggle with events planning and that sort of thing and she helps me out when I'm getting overwhelmed but I do sometimes ask myself "how did I end up being expected to do this?". A lot of it is because I'm a people pleaser and hate saying no, which is even harder to do in a work environment. But it's okay to ask for help, explain you feel out of your depth and politely say no if you feel uncomfortable with being nominated to do something. I'm not sure if any of my waffling has been helpful at all, but all this to say you're definitely not the only one.
Reply
  • Hi Richard.
    To be honest I could have written this myself so I completely understand where you're coming from. I'm always the one who is expected to organise the Christmas party, work days out/events etc and it's my worst nightmare. I hate it, I overthink it and then I bury my head in the sand with it which I know isn't the best way to deal with it but it's my automatic defense mechanism. My Line Manager is aware I struggle with events planning and that sort of thing and she helps me out when I'm getting overwhelmed but I do sometimes ask myself "how did I end up being expected to do this?". A lot of it is because I'm a people pleaser and hate saying no, which is even harder to do in a work environment. But it's okay to ask for help, explain you feel out of your depth and politely say no if you feel uncomfortable with being nominated to do something. I'm not sure if any of my waffling has been helpful at all, but all this to say you're definitely not the only one.
Children
No Data