18 Dec Finding Your Voice as an Introvert
A Practical Guide to Finding Your Voice
Krista Claude, Executive Coach and Founder of Go Forward Consulting, shares insights on empowering introverts to find their voice and thrive in leadership. Krista reveals a step-by-step process to help introverts harness their strengths and overcome challenges in communication and self-expression.
5-Step Process Find Your Voice
Krista’s process centers on validating introverts’ challenges while leveraging their strengths. Here are the five steps:
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Acknowledge the Difficulty & Strengths
- Recognize that speaking up can be inherently challenging for introverts.
- Validate the strengths of introverts, such as listening and observation, which are essential in leadership.
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Find Your Why
- Identify the reasons behind wanting to speak up. Examples include:
- Advocating for your team to gain resources and recognition.
- Breaking career plateaus by increasing visibility.
- Reducing workplace loneliness by fostering collaboration.
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Take Small, Planned Actions
- Start with manageable tasks:
- Script comments in advance. Example: “My vision for this project is…”
- Set a time-bound goal, such as joining a discussion in the next week. Examples of starter actions:
- Asking a colleague, “What did you think of the recent company announcement?”
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Debrief and Reflect
- After taking action, evaluate:
- What went well?
- What could be improved?
- Share insights with a mentor or trusted colleague to gain support and perspective.
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Repeat and Build
- Gradually take on larger challenges, leveraging positive outcomes to fuel motivation.
- Over time, these small actions will grow into meaningful habits that align with professional goals.
A Mantra for Aspiring Introverted Leaders
Krista’s advice to leaders: Go forward. This two-word mantra—rooted in clarity of purpose and actionable steps—underscores the importance of taking even the smallest steps toward growth. Krista’s method offers introverts a pathway to amplify their voices without compromising authenticity. By following these steps, introverted leaders can embrace their strengths, navigate discomfort, and achieve their goals.
About Krista Claude
Krista Claude is an Executive Coach and Founder of Go Forward Consulting, where she helps leaders and aspiring leaders achieve their professional goals. Krista draws from her personal transformation and years of mentoring to guide introverts on their leadership journey. Formerly a corporate executive at Thomson Reuters, she led over 1,000 engineers before founding her coaching firm. Her experiences as an introvert navigating an extroverted corporate world inform her strategies for personal growth and professional success. With over 26 years of experience as a corporate executive at Thomson Reuters, Krista led technology teams and gained deep insights into leadership and mentorship. She has been mentoring through Menttium since 2016 and continues to inspire professionals to “Go Forward” with authenticity and purpose.