We all know the feeling. You know, that overwhelmed sensation that hits us as the seasons change from winter into spring. For whatever reason, the first half of the year often comes with more meetings, events, and an increasing need to succeed. Work is busier; your after-work schedule is beyond anything you can imagine.
As an introvert… it can be incredibly exhausting. So how can you make sure your career – and yourself – don’t suffer?
Well, 3 books come to mind:
1. Reach Out: The Simple Strategy You Need to Expand Your Network and Increase Influence by Molly Beck
I’ve touched on this in previous posts, but networking as an introvert is hard. In this guide, Molly breaks down how to network effectively with minimal effort. It’s not all about the events you attend, but it’s about who you know. That friend of a friend can offer you something no one else can. Learn about everyday strategies and routines that can be used to alleviate the networking woes.
2. Leave Your Mark: Land Your Dream Job. Kill It in Your Career. Rock Social Media. By Aliza Licht
Who are you? What do you stand for? Nothing is more important than your personal brand and how you are presented to the outside world. It can be used to get a job, advance your career, and more. And the emphasis on social media is perfect for brand building as an introvert.
While this is something that seems geared more toward the female persuasion, it’s imperative for all genders to read. It’s the perfect book on being authentic to yourself in the workplace and calls out ways in which we can learn to be more assertive and the have better boundaries.
Bonus: Feminist Fight Club: A Survival Manual for a Sexist Workplace by Jessica Bennett
Anyone who supports feminism will want to read this book. It provides actual tips and guidelines for surviving a sexist workplace, bringing attention to things all genders can do to mitigate toxic environments.
Let me know what books you’ve read that have helped with your professional development in the comments below.
The Working Introvert 