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Brainstorming is no fun for many introverts. The speed and the unexpectedness of it mean that as an introvert you have the idea that you are too slow or not spontaneous enough. Nothing could be further from the truth. A few tips to make it better for yourself.
Know yourself
As an introvert, your thinking process works slightly differently than of an extrovert. You think before you speak and you prefer to look at things from different perspectives. An extrovert thinks and speaks at the same time, where speaking helps to structure thoughts. This makes an extrovert come into his own during a brainstorming session, but you as an introvert get the feeling that you are contributing too little. However, being aware of this difference is the first step to making brainstorming more enjoyable for yourself. It ensures that you understand why you need more time, so that you can draw attention to it.
Request reflection time
A next step is to ask for reflection time during a brainstorming session. Often a so-called 'stream of consciousness' is used in a brainstorm, in other words: you write down everything that comes to mind. With introverts, it works better if you have a few minutes to think for yourself and write things down before sharing. Be aware of this and ask for that time. You will find that you come up with more ideas and that you can think better than when you have to answer on the spot.
Prepare yourself
Another way to feel more comfortable during a brainstorm is to prepare well. Do you know that there is a session coming up where you will brainstorm? Make sure you are well informed about the topics that will be discussed, so that you can think about them beforehand. Write down a few ideas that come to your mind so you can take them with you to the session. That way your input will be heard and you won't feel overwhelmed during the session.
Dare to ask for space
Many of the introverts I coach find it difficult to take up space, literally and figuratively. However, that is a condition for both asking for reflection time and sharing the ideas you have prepared. Often there are certain assumptions behind this reluctance that prevent you from speaking up. By addressing those, you will find that it becomes easier to have more space and to actually be heard.
Do you want to get started with the above matters? I'd be happy to discuss it further with you.
