Activate your Introvert

Team events and introverts

In this week’s show Sweden’s PM has been tweeting the wrong Liz Truss. Swan on train tracks holds up rush hour commuters for an hour One of my favourite lines from Dale Carnegie is still getting quoted. “Show interest in others, and others will show interest in you”. I’m going to add a caveat to it though. A discussion with Lindsay Barnett: Lindsay provides flexible and independent HR support and advice to busy HR teams and businesses. Contact Lindsey at  https://lindsaybarnetthr.com ...

Introversion, Morris dancing and uncertainty

In this week’s show Introversial news: Dating apps, Morris dancers, labels and the world gravy wrestling championships: A discussion with Hadi Haboobi. Hadi is a peak performance mindset strategist who helps leaders step into their most focused states in less time   Contact Hadi at https://mindremastered.com Question of the week: Why do people find small talk so hard? For your guide to better small talk, click here My takeaways from the discussion were: Overthinking can mean you atta...

Introversion and self talk

In this week’s show Ambiverts – a new type of person? You know what I mean? Actually, no I don’t and nor do you. Exercising your opposite personality muscles. Is convenience damaging us? A discussion with Tom Cleary: Tom is a wellbeing & Mental Health Consultant who specialising in Mindfulness in Education & Business.  Contact Tom at https://tom-cleary.co.uk/ Question of the week: What’s the difference between ambivert and omnivert? My takeaways from the discussion were: The impor...

Introversion and shortcuts

In this week’s show The Edinburgh fringe got me thinking. Southend football club The NHS covid app A discussion with Jonathan Bowring: Jonathan is a Leadership and organisational coach who helps unlocking potential and helping people think.  Contact Jonathan at https://www.riversight.uk/ Question of the week: Should I promote an introvert, or an extrovert to team leader? My takeaways from the discussion were: We try to save energy in our brains and simplify. That’s where shortcuts...

Business psychology and introversion

In this week’s show Highwayman Dick Turpin is causing insults, early 300 years after his execution Table manners are changing. The benefits of stopping to think A discussion with Peter Milligan: Peter is an inspirational Speaker and Business Psychologist. He specialises in Leadership, Employee Engagement, & Embracing Change. Contact Peter at https://newgenerationleaders.com and sixtylessons.com| Question of the week: Are introverts more humble, and is that a good thing? My takeaway...

Presentation skills and introversion

In this week's show A discussion with Alastair Greener: Alastair is a communications Speaker & Consultant, Event MC and TV Presenter. We spent time talk about why everybody needs presentation skills as well as exploring introvert / extrovert differences. Contact Alastair at https://presentyourself.co.uk Very little else this week! My apologies, this week has been about bed, fever and brain fog (among other less pleasant things). But as the interview was worth sharing, I thought I'd strip ...

Introversion and arguments

In this week's show Arguments, especially public ones Trans Rights Phones in meetings, and poor engagement: If you'd like to read a book about improving your meetings, click Running Meetings that make things happen. The Railway Children: Yes, that 1970’s film will help you think about something important! A discussion with Bina Briggs: Bina provides HR Support for Small Businesses on employment Law and Employment Policies; she used to be the HR Director for London Luton Airport and ...

People management and different types of people

In this week’s show Mystic Veg: A fortune tellers’ predictions which seem as accurate as most instant introvert extrovert tests. A wedding proposal gone wrong: It seems dramatic stunts are not just used for poor quality team building events. Porn in the house: Doing things quietly in the corner is a good thing? Ejaculating bees: A sad story about hot weather. A discussion with Donna Obstfeld: Donna is an HR Specialist; helping employers who care about their people to make their work...

Being an introvert and a leader

In this week’s show Leading the country: The ongoing saga of choosing a new personality to drive our country forwards Ovation saturation. Have we got standing ovation inflation? Working from home: It's 13% more efficient than the office Team burning in Switzerland:  A horribly different problem at a team building event, where the normal problem is they don't work that well.  A discussion with Sharon Barton. Contact Sharon at https://harbourHR.co.uk Question of the week: Are introv...

Leadership psychology and introversion

In this week’s show Love island, or is it loveless house?  The Conservative leadership race steps up. Do you respect other workers and do they respect you? A survey by officevibe Extroverts don't always make the most stable leaders. An article in TrainingZone A giant step for hamkind: A hamster survives daring trip into the stratosphere on a flying balloon A discussion with Tony Brooks: Tony is a leadership psychologist, runs leadership training workshops and speaks on survival psyc...

Leadership and a focus on WHY

In this week’s show How good are French drivers? The airport chaos: One thing we should ALWAYS be doing, introvert, or extrovert Leading change: A discussion with Amy Rowlinson. Amy is a Life Purpose Strategist and host of the incredibly successful Focus on WHY Podcast, it’s in the top 1% of podcasts globally. It’s that focus on WHY that I’d like to chat about Amy about. Amy also helps people seek fulfilment and purpose in life. Contact Amy at https://www.amyrowlinson.com/ Question ...

Introversion and leadership in Agriculture

In this week’s show Leadership and introversion Introversial news items: A DIY store problem about unwritten, but obvious rules and and uplifting way to deal with car thieves A discussion with Paul Harris: Paul helps farmers to build harmonious high-performance teams Contact Paul at http://www.real-success.co.uk/ Question of the week: What is the most engaging speaking style for an introvert to hear? My takeaways from the discussion were: The “macho” view that leadership is about ...

Introversion and recruitment

In this week’s show Boris, or Keir – is it an introvert, extrovert thing? A discussion with the introvert recruiter Carey Curry: Recruitment is interesting for two reasons: the extrovert bias where many employers look for the wrong people and because many recruitment agencies are seen as pushy, salesy and extroverted. How can you attract and bring out the best in your introverted candidates. Contact Carey on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/careycurry Question of the week: How can I make my ...

Introversion and hybrid working.

In this week’s show Draco Malfoy has imposter phenomena! One MP’s version of leadership: Yes, it's another partygate clip. A discussion with Lorna Helps: Lorna specialises in helping CEOs of small businesses thrive by identifying and implementing the best style of hybrid working for their business and employees. Ever since lockdown there’s been an ongoing debate about working location, style and personality, so I’m looking forward to learning from Lorna. Contact Lorna at https://vibrant...

Imposter Syndrome and introversion

In this week’s show UFOs, George Bush and obesity: A discussion with Kate Atkin: Kate is a speaker and facilitator who specialises in imposter Syndrome. It really is a phenomenon and one which I’d love to know more about. Contact Kate at https://www.kateatkin.com/ Question of the week: Are introverts happy that the extroverts and shouting out / answering the questions as they can then avoid the limelight? My takeaways from the discussion were: It’s not a syndrome, it’s a phenomena or ...

Introversion, WFH and the office

In this week’s show Leaders: Do they have to attend leaving parties? Working from home, or the office, which is right? Question of the week: How to handle people who don’t want to go to drinks after work. Two articles linked to this answer are: Tips for planning work social events that are introvert friendly Tips for introverts to survive work social events A discussion with Jim Culverwell: Jim is the premises mentor. He helps businesses get the right premises on the right terms f...

Introversion, meaning and purpose

In this week’s show If superheroes suffer with imposter syndrome, so can your team! Question of the week: Do introverts suffer with more self doubt than extroverts? You might like to read more at https://introvertinbusiness.co.uk/self-doubt-and-introverts/ A discussion with Fiona English: Fiona is a keynote speaker and coach who combines her extensive experience in global investment markets with expertise in human potential. One of her key beliefs is that the key to purpose in life is t...

Real resilience and Introversion

In this week’s show Neighbours, and I don’t mean the ones next door to you. Dr Who (regenerating again).  Too much Ego interferes with leadership A discussion with Alison Charles: Alison, with her team, help clients achieve Real Resilience. She helps leaders create a focus on resilience, wellbeing at work and stress Management. Contact Alison at https://real-resilience.co.uk/ Question of the week: How should you manage introverts? My takeaways from the discussion were: Resilience ...

Introversion and mental health

In this week's show Why leaders should think about mental health week Introversion is not a mental health issue Being introverted does not mean you're lonely. “First impressions count” in recruitment, and one of the problems with that. 76% of Americans are against bringing the Tyrannosaurus rex back from extinction, 10% are in favour.  This week it's mental health week, so this show is mainly about Mental Health. Mental Health week is an opportunity for people to talk about menta...

Introversion and personality profiling

In this week’s show Are you overly reflective, or positive like Piers Morgan? What’s the worst place you’ve ever dropped your mobile phone? A discussion with Martyn Pentecost: Martyn is a product creation strategist. He helps authors (and others) from the initial idea to a finished product range. I was recently using parts of the personality profiling system he wrote about in "The Key in Your Pocket: 9 Ways to Unlock Your Personal and Business Success". Contact Martyn on LinkedIn , clic...

Introverts and Thoughtful leadership

In this week’s show Returning to the office and planning change the right way round A discussion with Mindy Gibbins Klein: Mindy is a high energy, low maintenance and fun professional speaker and consultant focused on Thought Leadership and Thoughtful Leadership. Contact Mindy at https://Mindygk.com Question of the week: Why should I treat introverts differently? A 4 STEP guide to improving communications in the whole team, including your introverts, without treating people differently....

Introverts, Extroverts and working from home

Introversion, happiness and being a genius

In this week’s show Happiness, overly simple measures of people issues and extroverted v introverted leaders A discussion with Lysette Offley. Lysette is the founder of Genius Material and The Genius Principles. She helps people break through the glass ceiling, building on their natural preferences and helping people learn. Contact Lysette at https://Genius-Material.com or https://GeniusPrinciples.com Questions which simply annoy introverts and display a lack of thought My takeaways fr...

How big an issue is small talk?

In this week’s show Do you remember, café working and Rishi Sunak’s photo : Jon’s thoughts on small talk. There is no guest this week as I’ve been asked so often about small talk, I thought I’d give you my thoughts . But back to normal next week. Question of the week: Do introverts enjoy themselves? What question would you like answered about introversion? Visit ActivateYourIntrovert.co.uk  and let me know. I’ll answer your question on the show, and you'd be welcome to join me on the...

Introversion and developing yourself

In this week’s show Sports bras, trends, and motivation at work A discussion with Mark Lee: Mark is a recovering accountant who now devotes his time helping other accountants to be more successful in practice. He also runs a website for specialist tax advisers and anybody wanting specialist tax. Mark was one of the first people I interviewed on the show over 2 years ago. Mark’s episode was one of the most popular episodes and he is a great guy to chat to, with lots of business performance...

Reframing and Introversion

In this week’s show Can you remember 2 years ago this week? So much has changed, for introverts, for business, and many other aspects of life. How have things changed in your work interactions, two years on and are you helping create that infamous new normal, in a positive way? A discussion with Derek Arden: Derek specialises in negotiation and runs an excellent podcast called Monday Night live. Recently he was talking about reframing, which is an interesting subject for many aspects of b...

Community building and introversion.

In this week’s show How to market yourself without being pushy – that applies whether you’re employed, or self employed; as I've had many requests on the subject. How to build a community and why some people don’t like the trendy thing about tribe building – which is many introverts A discussion with Denise Fay: Denise is a community builder. She helps Business Owners Get Clear on their Marketing Message to Create a Community of Raving Fans. Contact Denise at https://www.achievemarketin...

Getting better at being interviewed

In this week’s show Saying it right. I used to get frustrated when people spelt my name wrong (there’s no H in Jon), but imagine when most of the world keeps pronouncing your capital city wrongly. One tiny way we can respectfully stand up for Ukraine. A discussion with Cait Saunders: Cait is the communications and engagement manager at the independent parliamentary standards authority and I managed to talk for 12 minutes without referring to any recent governmental shall we say “issues”.C...

HSP and introversion

In this week’s show Thinking about time management, if you’ve got time. A discussion with Clare Kumar: Clare is a Highly Sensitive Executive Coach guiding professionals towards sustainable performance through greater productivity and well-being. Contact Clare at https://clarekumar.com/ Question of the week: How can I be better at managing introverts What would you like to know about introversion in business? Ask your question at ActivateYourIntrovert.co.uk

Introversion and personal branding

In this week’s show A discussion with Ella Orr: Ella is a Social media marketing and personal branding expert and we had a fascinating conversation about social media, extroversion, introversion and exhaustion. Contact Ella at www.muchmoresocial.co.uk Question of the week. Are introverts more highly sensitive? Growing fraud, eroding trust and teamwork What question would you like answered about introversion? Visit ActivateYourIntrovert.co.uk and let me know. I’ll answer your question o...

Resilience mental health and introversion

In this week’s show Leadership, resilience and mental health. In an extended discussion with Roxanne Derhodge. Roxanne is a Forbes Executive Council Member and Resiliency Speaker who works with individuals and Organizations. Contact Roxanne at https://roxannederhodge.com/ The strangeness of mixing with people again Changing culture and introversion What question would you like answered about introversion? Visit ActivateYourIntrovert.co.uk and let me know. I’ll answer your question on t...

Introversion, sexual transmutation and performance

In this week’s show  Sexual energy…as a leadership issue! An extended discussion with Jo Lightfoot. Before you turn off in horror, it might not be quite what you’re thinking! Jo describes herself as being the 3 The 3 P’s professional speaker, property investor, podcaster. Contact Jo on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolightfootofficial/   My week of introvert’s torture  Question of the week: Do introverts ask more questions? What question would you like answered about intr...

Introverts and Accountability

In this week’s show Tip of the week: Are you getting your staff to have down time? A discussion with Guy Hanson: Guy is a publisher based in Winchester, serving the area for many years focused on giving local residents and advertisers what they want. Contact Guy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-hanson-0567b216/ Question of the week: Are introverts always quiet?  

Introversion, inclusion and belonging

In this week’s show Does the anti-vax debate have any leadership considerations? A discussion with Joanne Lockwood: Joanne is an inclusion and belonging specialist. Although I often touch of these subjects, I only look at it from the narrow and perhaps less worthy perspective of introversion. So it’s gret to hear Joanne’s view on the business benefits of inclusion and belonging. Contact Joanne at https://seechangehappen.co.uk/ Question of the week: Are there different types of introvert...

Working or cheese and wine?

In this week’s show Where is the boundary between work and socialising? A discussion with Naren Batjargal: Naren is the co-Founder and COO of Erxes Inc. One other thing which is interesting here, is that Naren’s company is in Mongolia, so we can talk about introversion and leadership in a different political context as it’s much more, as Naren says, a traditional socialist setting. Contact Naren at https://erxes.io/ Are Introverts or extroverts more egotistical? And finally did she re...

Introversion, breathing and world introvert day

In this week’s show In the news: Sharks in swimming pools and overdue library books A discussion with Tracey Howes: Tracey is an Advanced Oxygen Advantage Instructor and Freediver (that underwater world is how we got talking). She incorporates scientifically proven breathwork techniques into training programmes, resulting in clients who have transformed breathing habits to build confidence, improve focus, concentration, reduce anxiety and stress, train for marathons and prepare to swim Th...

Reflecting on your introverts needs in 2022

In this week's show Networking in 2022 - what's important and why? Leadership, specially considering introverts, what will be more important in 2022? Helping you reflect on your performance in 2021 Big thanks to three guest experts Networking expert Will Kintish  https://kintish.co.uk Company culture expert - The Culture Guy, Ben Drury Leadership and tricky conversation expert, Clare Haynes https://wildfireatwork.co.uk  

Introversion, leadership and recruitment interviews

In this week's show Thinking about interviewing and why many interviewers don't get the best employees An interview with Daisy Simonis, looking back over 2021 and forward to 2022 at matters affecting introverts at work. Contact Daisy at http://empoweredintroverts.com/ A discussion with Joanna Rawbone, thinking about leadership challenges in 2021 and what might happen in 2022. Contact Jo at Flourishingintroverts.com A very dodgy bit of singing, and it's your fault! Don't worry, it's no...

Smart conflict resolution and introverts

In this week’s show Do introverts like being around people? Your team’s belonging and security A discussion with Leon Bamforth: Leon is an award winning speaker, consultant and mediator. He helps Leaders build connected teams that share visions and avoid nightmares. Contact Leon at https://www.leonbamforth.com/ Ask your question about introversion, visit ActivateYourIntrovert  

Parties, introverts and culture

In this week’s show Christmas parties, role models and an extrovert bias. A discussion with Ben Drury:  Ben, also known as the culture guy, challenges extraordinary leaders to create cult-like businesses and make workplaces awesome. He also was one of the co-authors on The Business of Humans, and I’ve been interviewing many of the co-authors. Contact Ben at  https://thecultureguy.co.uk How to arrange a work social that’s more introvert friendly Have your introvert question answered on ...

Introverts humour and feedback

In this week’s show Giving feedback: As a manager you probably have to do it, but many of us do it badly and with no permission. How might you consider introverts when giving feedback? A discussion with Jeremy Nicholas: Jeremy is a humour Coach and Speaker Mentor; he’s also one of the funniest speakers and MC’s I have had the pleasure to watch on stage and has a long history of being a broadcaster at the BBC. Contact Jeremy at www.jeremynicholas.co.uk Question of the week: Are introvert...

Workplace recognition, profitability and introversion.

In this week’s show Managing working from home: You might have it sussed now and things might be more hybrid (even though Peppa Pig might not agree - according to one government spokesman in the news this week); but that might be the right time to check you’re doing all you can.   A discussion with Sarah McVanel: Sarah helps leaders leverage the exponential power of recognition to retain top talent and sustain healthy bottom-lines; in fact she’s Canada’s leading recognition expert. Contac...

Introversion and leadership

In this week’s show “It’s only banter” – what does that mean and is it an unacceptable trend? You can also read more about this at r https://introvertinbusiness.co.uk/banter-good-bad-or-dangerous/ A discussion with Dr Clif P Lewis: Clif is a psychologist, coach and HR professional with specialty in leadership and diversity. We had a fascinating discussion about leadership, introversion and how the pandemic might change leadership. Contact Clif at https://lbvc.co.za/ Question of the week...

Introversion, Asperger's and Foxes

In this week’s show The great resignation: How does it affect your introverts? A discussion with Andrew Marsh: Andrew is an expert in Asperger's. I had a conversation with him recently and was struck by some parallels to the introversion issues many organisations face. Andrew was diagnosed late in life with Asperger's, is now learning about himself and helping leaders to understand Asperger's by using his career experience and his research. Contact Andrew at www.AndrewMarsh.co Question ...

How to decrapify work, considering introversion.

In this week’s show Leadership tip of the week: Being Authentic A discussion with Colin Newlyn: Colin’s a popular guest on the show and is on a mission to decrapify work. Contact Colin at http://decrapifywork.com/ Question of the week: How do you spot an introvert? This week is an audio sign to watch out for. There’s more about this at https://introvertinbusiness.co.uk/spotting-an-introvert-hiding-in-plain-sight/ What question would you like answered about introversion? Leave it at act...

Can introverts be good negotiators?

In this week’s show Leadership tip of the week: Beware of your ego.   A discussion with Derek Arden: Derek is a Negotiation Expert, speaker and best Selling Author, in fact say he’s written 12 books. We recently started talking about perceived (or real) connections between introversion and negotiation, and his poll on the subject. Contact Derek and www.derekarden.com Question of the week: How can you spot an introvert. Many introverts have become good at blending into the background and...

Introversion and mental barriers

In this week’s show Reflecting on self belief and arrogance A discussion with Siobhan Fox. Siobhan is an unconventional mentor & coach for business owners looking for more fun, freedom & fulfilment. Siobhan and I both write chapters of the book "The business of humans". Siobhan wrote on mental barriers, imposter syndrome and how often work is about showing up rather than delivering, which we explore in this discussion. Contact Siobhan at https://revealmarketinguk.com Question of the wee...

HR, introversion and performance measurement.

In this week’s show Who’s job is it anyway? Who should be helping new team members engage? What’s funny and what's just insulting? Some introvert jokes for you. More at https://introvertinbusiness.co.uk/introvert-jokes/ Are introverts poor negotiators? Results from a recent poll. A discussion with David Simmonds. David is a freeman of the Guild of HR Professionals and one of the few people who put HR and analytics in the same sentence! He is the first global auditor for BS 30414 which...

The importance of having a team vision

In this week’s show Question of the week: Are introverts control freaks? Tip of the week: What drives panic buying and how does that link to introversion? More on this at https://introvertinbusiness.co.uk/panic-buying-performance-control-introversion/ A discussion with Leon Bamforth: Leon is an award winning speaker, consultant and mediator. He helps Leaders build connected teams that share visions and avoid nightmares. Contact Leon at https://www.leonbamforth.com/ Ask your question ab...

Public speaking and Introversion

In this week’s show Leadership tip of the week: Helping introverts energy A discussion with Lauren Sergy: Lauren is a Public Speaking & Communication Skills Expert and we have a debate about that infamous introvert public speaking myth, as well as why Lauren thinks EVERY manager and leader should be good at public speaking. Contact Lauren at https://laurensergy.com/ Question of the week: How can you engage introverts in conversation more easily? For more visit https://introvertinbusines...