Navigating short, awkward conversations in the office can actually help your career, according to workplace expert Henna Pryor. Many people avoid discomfort, leading to missed opportunities for promotions and success. Stepping outside of your comfort zone, especially for introverts and Gen Zers, can be intimidating, but starting small with inconsequential conversations can prepare you for more challenging discussions with bosses. Pryor emphasizes the importance of taking micro-risks and suggests four tips to strengthen your awkwardness endurance.
One tip is finding allies to help build social confidence. Pryor shared a strategy where a client enlisted trusted colleagues to give her an entry point into conversations in meetings. By asking her boss to involve her explicitly in discussions, the client felt more comfortable speaking up and integrating her perspective into group settings. Another tip Pryor offers is to gamify participation in conversations by celebrating each contribution, no matter how small. By prioritizing effort over perfection and tracking progress through stars and stickers, individuals can slowly build confidence.
It’s essential to note small wins and accomplishments throughout the year, not just during annual reviews. Pryor suggests setting up an email template to regularly update your boss on goals achieved, so you have documentation when it comes time to discuss performance and potential raises. Additionally, Pryor encourages embracing awkwardness, especially after the shift to remote work, which may have caused individuals to lose their social muscle. By leaning into discomfort and making small efforts to connect with others, individuals can overcome social anxiety and build relationships in the workplace.
Pryor acknowledges that everyone experiences social uncertainty and discomfort at times, even the most confident individuals. To combat this, she recommends starting small by committing to keeping your phone away during brief encounters and being open to forming connections. It’s okay to make mistakes, and sometimes showing vulnerability can make you more relatable. Pryor cites actress Jennifer Lawrence’s response to tripping at the Oscars as an example of effectively handling an embarrassing situation. By making fun of yourself and not taking things too seriously, you can navigate awkward moments with grace. Overall, embracing discomfort and taking small risks can ultimately lead to personal growth and career success.
