Great news. You do not need to become the loudest voice in the room.
Senior roles reward clear thinking, steady judgment, and follow through. You already have a head start.

What to expect

There will be more important conversations. More people will look to you for answers. Give yourself a little space between big moments so you can think and respond well.

How to use your strengths

Prepare quietly. Jot a few notes before a meeting.
Stay calm. Name the goal, name the options, choose one.
Listen first. Reflect what you heard, then add your view.

How to speak so people listen

Start with the point. Then add two details.
Use short sentences. Pause.
If you need a moment, say so. People respect honesty.

Meetings that feel better

Send a short note ahead with the question you want to discuss.
In the room, begin with the headline. End with who will do what and by when.
Invite two quieter voices to speak. It raises the quality of the discussion.

Energy and time

Protect a block of time for thinking each day. Treat it like an appointment and block your schedule.

Group your most social tasks in the same part of the day, whenever you have extra energy.
Take a five-minute walk after heavy or long conversations.

Stay visible without being “on stage”

Write a short weekly update. Wins, risks, decisions, and one ask for the reader to get back to you on.
Hold small roundtables with people two levels down. Listen more than you talk.
Share credit in public with those sharing great ideas or helpful work. It builds trust.

Feedback Circles: Relationships that support you

Keep a simple list of five sponsors and ten peers. Check in with them on a regular cadence.
Ask for specific help. EG: “I plan to decide X by Friday. Here is where I need your support. (advice, advocate, be contrarian)”
Offer help first when you can.

When tension shows up here’s what to do

Separate the person from the problem.
Restate the shared goal. Offer two practical paths.
If opinions clash, suggest a small trial and a time to review.

A simple 90 day plan to level up

• First month. Listen, learn the players, pick three outcomes, and fix one simple thing.
• Second month. Set a steady rhythm for meetings and decisions.
• Third month. Deliver two visible improvements for the company or department and share a six-month plan that names risks and resources for further improvements you want to lead.

Simple phrases you can use to position yourself as a leader

“Here is the decision. Here are the tradeoffs. I recommend option B.”
“What would change your mind. Let us try it for two weeks and review the results.”
“Thank you for flagging that risk. Here is how we will monitor and mitigate it.”

You do not need to act like someone else. A few clear habits will let people see your good judgment, and your voice will carry more clout with managers.

Discover more about Introverts & Extraverts:

• Read 12 Tips for Introverts & Extraverts
• Take the MIES™ | Multidimensional Introversion-Extraversion Scales Assessment for free
• Learn more about MIES™ | Multidimensional Introversion-Extraversion Scales