1. Speak up early in meetings

"Meetings are a golden opportunity to get in front of decision-makers in real-time," Wilding writes. However, introverts may sometimes avoid speaking up in meetings, either by deliberating too long or by deferring to authority figures instead.

To avoid losing an opportunity to speak up, Wilding recommends challenging yourself to be the second or third person to contribute during a meeting. Doing so will push you past the initial barrier of participation, which is often the most difficult part, and allow you to share your perspective early on when people are still paying attention.

"Once you've broken the ice, you'll likely find yourself feeling more at ease and ready to contribute even more," Wilding writes.

2. Don't pressure yourself to stand out

According to Wilding, you don't always have to have groundbreaking ideas to be visible in the workplace. Instead, you can be an active participant in conversations and help shape their progress.

Some ways to engage thoughtfully with a discussion without being the center of attention include building on what a colleague has said, asking clarifying questions, reflecting on previous conversations on a topic, and suggesting resources.

"Being present and involved in the dialogue is often more important than waiting to deliver the perfect show-stopping insight," Wilding writes.

3. Avoid self-deprecation

Oftentimes, introverts will downplay their ideas or achievements, but doing so may lead other people to underestimate their knowledge and overall capability, Wilding writes. Over time, this can also lead to diminished authority and influence.

When speaking to others, Wilding recommends using more assertive language instead of self-deprecating statements. For example, instead of saying, "This may not be right, but …", say "Another approach could be …"

"By framing your contributions positively and confidently, you encourage others to respect your ideas and acknowledge your expertise," Wilding writes.

4. Take advantage of asynchronous communication

"Unlike real-time conversations that demand immediate responses, asynchronous communication allows for a more reflective and deliberate exchange, which is a perfect fit for introverts," Wilding writes.

Putting out a monthly or quarterly newsletter can help keep stakeholders informed while also giving you an opportunity to shine, Wilding writes. In the newsletter, you can highlight your team's achievements, share insights, and propose ideas in a thoughtful manner.

Another way to stand out is to circle back on meetings through emails. For example, you could say, "After reflecting on our conversation, I believe XYZ could be an effective next step for us to consider." Doing so shows that you take your work seriously.

5. Express gratitude

According to Wilding, showing gratitude can be a helpful way for introverts to navigate their desire for modesty while also ensuring their accomplishments are recognized.

For example, saying "It's a privilege to lead this initiative" can show your readiness to take on responsibility. Similarly, saying "I'm taking for the opportunity to contribute to this project, which allowed me to use my skills in XYZ" allows you to acknowledge your role in your team's success.

Overall, "[v]isibility in the workplace isn't nice to have, it's a necessity. Being seen and recognized for your work can open doors to new opportunities and propel your career forward," Wilding writes. "But that doesn't have to come at the cost of becoming someone you're not. Even as an introvert, you can find ways to boost your visibility and play to your strengths." (Wilding, Harvard Business Review, 3/6)

Invest in a social recognition platform to allow anyone in your organization to give recognition to and receive it from anyone, at any time. If you're serious about investing, ask yourself these three questions and make sure the answer is 'yes.'