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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.
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  • Hi Richard,

    It seems to me there are a few different elements going on here:

    * your willingness to organise social events on behalf of your organisation
    * your experiences and skills in event management
    * your fear of public speaking

    I've been in roles where I have both personally or via my team members been expected to arrange work social events. I've never liked it or really accepted it as an HR task and I don't think all HR people have the right skills to do it (I started life as a training administrator so from that perspective I do/did have a lot of the right skills, but I moved out of training admin early on because I didn't enjoy it!). If this wasn't a part of the role that was made clear to you when you applied or through selection, is there an opportunity to challenge this now? What does your manager think about this in terms of your priorities? I agree with others that forming a committee and delegating may be the best way forward.

    In terms of public speaking, I agree with Robey that certain HR activities do rely on some comfort and confidence in presenting. Not everyone has to be the company quiz-master (not something I would relish!) but you may well have to present information or lead training or something more appropriate to your role. Have you thought about this as an area to develop or are you happy to stay within roles which don't need this skill?
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  • Hi Richard,

    It seems to me there are a few different elements going on here:

    * your willingness to organise social events on behalf of your organisation
    * your experiences and skills in event management
    * your fear of public speaking

    I've been in roles where I have both personally or via my team members been expected to arrange work social events. I've never liked it or really accepted it as an HR task and I don't think all HR people have the right skills to do it (I started life as a training administrator so from that perspective I do/did have a lot of the right skills, but I moved out of training admin early on because I didn't enjoy it!). If this wasn't a part of the role that was made clear to you when you applied or through selection, is there an opportunity to challenge this now? What does your manager think about this in terms of your priorities? I agree with others that forming a committee and delegating may be the best way forward.

    In terms of public speaking, I agree with Robey that certain HR activities do rely on some comfort and confidence in presenting. Not everyone has to be the company quiz-master (not something I would relish!) but you may well have to present information or lead training or something more appropriate to your role. Have you thought about this as an area to develop or are you happy to stay within roles which don't need this skill?
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