A guide to being an introvert at work.

It’s often believed that to be a Procurement professional you need to be outgoing, loud, engaging and a hard-nosed negotiator, all the skills you would most likely identify with an extrovert. After all,  Procurement does sit across the table from their well-dressed and sometimes exuberant sales adversaries which can be challenging enough, not to mention all the stakeholder engagement required across your own business which can be exhausting.

It would therefore be fair to say that being an introverted Procurement professional may not be a match made in heaven…

But! The good news is that you can indeed be an introverted Procurement professional and not only that, a bloody good one. In fact, introverts often possess the skills that are required to achieve success in the world of Procurement, such as a strong analytical mind, efficiency, planning, awareness, and listening skills - these are all super valuable in Procurement roles and at work in general.

In today's data-driven and tech-centric society, having an analytical brain utilising key data points is not only an advantage, but it can be the best weapon in your negotiation tool kit, and the best bit is you no longer need to deliver this in person face to face, it can now be effectively conveyed through a well-written email, a thoroughly rehearsed and prepared Zoom call, or even a Slack instant message!

Being an introvert in procurement IS a strength.

As an introvert living the life of a Procurement professional over the last 16 years it hasn't been easy or plain sailing, there have been challenges along the way and sometimes I have had to go home and sit in a dark room for a couple of hours just to recharge my little introvert batteries… but it can be done and done well.

Here are 11 key tips I've learned over the years which will hopefully help others like me not only survive but thrive as a Procurement introvert in the workplace;

Leverage Your Listening Skills: Introverts tend to be excellent listeners. Use this skill to understand stakeholders' needs, gather requirements, and identify opportunities for improvement.

Use Written Communication: If face-to-face interactions are challenging for you, use written communication such as email, reports, slack etc. to convey your ideas and negotiate. Also tailor your communication style to suit different stakeholders as some may prefer detailed emails, while others might favour concise summaries.

Build Strong Relationships: Make friends with the extroverts! Focus on building meaningful and trusted relationships with suppliers and colleagues. This can lead to more productive partnerships.

Research and Prepare: Prioritise thorough research and preparation before meetings and negotiations. This will boost your confidence and enable you to make informed decisions.

Ask Thoughtful Questions: Asking insightful questions demonstrates your interest and understanding. It can also guide the conversation toward valuable insights and if you struggle to do this in meetings you can always follow up with a well-written email!

Networking with Purpose: While introverts may not enjoy large social events, focused one-on-one or small group interactions can be more comfortable and effective for networking.

Leverage Technology: Use email, zoom, slack, teams, procurement software etc to streamline processes, automate repetitive tasks, and manage vendor relationships efficiently.

Negotiation Skills: Your analytical nature can be an advantage in negotiations, use reports, spend data, market data ect and do your research. Develop your negotiation skills and remain calm under pressure.

Set Boundaries: Introverts may need to establish boundaries to protect their energy. It's okay to have structured breaks and downtime, we all need to recharge our batteries every now and then!

Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. The more knowledgeable you are, the more confidence you'll have in your role.

Celebrate Small Wins: Recognise your achievements and contributions, even if they're not as public as those of extroverted colleagues. Acknowledging your successes can boost confidence.

Remember, being an introvert in procurement doesn't mean you can't succeed at work; it simply means you bring unique strengths and perspectives to the table. Embrace your introverted qualities and leverage them to excel in your procurement career.