Networking and Growing as an Introvert?

Recently I've started to focus more on my networking. A post I saw on Linkedin really made me think. The concept of the post was how to get a promotion and/or raise. The content was about not waiting for others to notice you but to force them to notice you. Alright, not exactly force them to notice you but brag about yourself or make sure they're aware of your accomplishments. 

I started to write a response to the post right on it as a comment, but realized that I needed to think my response out more and it was probably going to be longer than a quick response. So here it is. 

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Jane Underwood, Linkedin

The advice made sense but how do you accomplish that goal when you're an introvert? Some people reading this are probably thinking "Cori you're not an introvert. You never shut up." This is kind of (definitely) true, but listen when I speak because I'm normally rambling nonsense. When I'm in a situation where I'm trying to introduce myself, whether it be a social or professional, I just can't do it. I'll find I can't find the right words, I'll say um, ah, aaaaa, and am definitely making the conversation very awkward. 

I've always had this problem with job interviews and I'm sure I've lost out on more than one position because of my awkwardness during the process. Now, I actually feel that introvertness in my current position. My boss tells me to list all my certifications and titles at the beginning of every presentation, webinar, or training session. When I said I don't feel comfortable doing that, a colleague was assigned to "introduce the speaker" and rattle off the list of titles and certifications that you see on the right bar of my website. See, I can show my accomplishments on my website, but I don't feel the need to brag about them. I'm not one of those people that puts every badge on my email signature because it will show my expertise. I have them in one place and that should be enough.

Yes, I have tons of certifications and for many of them I have worked very hard but they don't actually mean much. I mean, they do, but I don't think they're bragging worthy. The only title I have right now that I feel is worthy of bragging isn't even a title. I was selected as part of a national delegation last year for an international educator's conference. It's the only thing where I actually "beat the competition" to be selected. For many of my certifications, I just checked the requirement boxes.

Additionally, many of my titles that have been earned are collaborative accomplishments. When I became a Certified Innovator, I had a group of students and a parent help with the application video. I then attended a three day program where I worked with a team of other educators to complete a project for change. Let's not forget that while I attended that three day program, my colleagues all had extra work because they were down a teacher and agreed to give up their prep periods to allow me the time to attend the program. 

When I got my degree, I had support from the school district I was working at during that time. The district reimbursed part of my tuition to help ease the financial burden of completing a degree. Many assignments required me to try things with my students and reflect. So without a class of amazing students that completed new lessons instead of the old curriculum ones, I would not have had the ability to complete my personal assignments. My administrator served as my advisor and supervisor for the internship part of my program. She had to meet with me weekly and completed paperwork to ensure I completed the requirements for state certification. 

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@sylviaduckworth

So yes I have a ton of accomplishments, but none of them are really mine. Back to the original point of this post, I don't feel comfortable drawing attention to myself when it's really not just myself. Every title I have earned belongs to all the people that helped me achieve them. My students, my colleagues, my mentors.  I don't feel right bragging about stuff that would not have been possible without my support system that was in place. Some would say this could be defined as imposter syndrome. I don't feel like an imposter that will be found out. I just know that nothing I have accomplished belongs to just me and therefore have trouble bragging about it. I am grateful every day to my support system that has gotten me to this point.