Introvert power was on full display last week as I eagerly made my way back home from New Orleans. I had just attended the 4th annual Women of Project Management Conference and celebrated their big 10-year anniversary. Proudly claiming my title as thee introverted socialite, my role as the unofficial AV queen was honestly perfect for my personality; I was in the room, in the back, presenting the conference slides and handling all the tech stuff that kept the event running smoothly. Don’t get me wrong… the hotel’s official AV guy was around to show me how to turn mics up and down, hook up sound, and all that good stuff; he’d pop in and out as needed. But let’s be clear… I was on it. That meant I could do what I do best; be present, support the energy, and still stay comfortably in my own lane.
By day two, once all the slides and sound checks were under control, I had the chance to sneak into one of the breakout sessions; that’s when Coletrice Haywood’s session on “How to Lead as an Introvert” pulled me all the way in. Let’s get into why her session left me super grateful and emotional in the best way and what every introverted career girlie needs to hear.
I first met Coletrice a few years ago, and from day one, she stood out
This bright, bubbly woman with a quiet confidence that just lit up any room she walked into. I wouldn’t call her an extreme introvert, but she definitely has some introverted tendencies. Her quirky personality is warm and welcoming, yet she carries herself with that “don’t play with me” energy that lets you know she means business. During her session, she even rewarded attendees with little gifts for participating (a hard sell since we were all introverts, but hey, we tried!). One of the most fascinating things she shared was a neuroscience nugget about how introverts naturally produce more acetylcholine in their frontal lobe than extroverts (clock it) giving us a secret edge when it comes to leadership. These are just a few of her expert tips below:
Superb Documentation (like your life depends on it — your check might)
- Always take thorough, timestamped meeting notes; highlight decisions, action items, and owners so nothing falls through the cracks.
- Save every version of your work — drafts, edits, and final — in a shared folder or knowledge base so you can trace progress and changes.
- Follow up every call or meeting with a clear summary email; this reinforces decisions and gives everyone a written record.
- Maintain a project log for technical issues and solutions so future you (or the next consultant) can quickly troubleshoot without starting from scratch.
- Capture screenshots, data exports, or quick screen recordings to make your explanations visual and easier to understand.
- When documenting processes or requirements, use simple, plain language and structure them as step-by-step instructions; leave zero room for guesswork.
- Treat your documentation like your safety net — it proves your work, protects your time, and keeps everyone aligned.
Basically, let your exceptional documentation speak for you. This was the power play I needed.
Introvert Power Play: Using Impactful Words That Speak Volumes
- Replace generic words like “helpful” with “invaluable,” “important” with “pivotal,” or “good” with “exceptional.”
- Don’t just say “progressing” — say “gaining serious traction.”
- Drop confident phrases like “I recommend,” “I propose,” and “I advise,” to project expertise.
- Highlight wins as “game-changers,” not just “good results.”
- Clarify every message as if you’re painting a vivid picture — so your readers and listeners truly see what you mean.
Decision Making: The Rule of Three
Keep the issue clear and straightforward; plain language wins when making decisions.
Present three actionable solutions up front to show you’re proactive.
Offer your recommended option to demonstrate you can make decisions.
Example:
Issue:
“The client wants to roll out Smartsheet Control Center but their PMO processes, templates, and reporting structure aren’t clearly defined yet.”
Solutions:
- Start with a PMO process audit and standardization workshop: Facilitate sessions with stakeholders to map existing processes, define project lifecycle phases, and standardize key deliverables before configuring Control Center blueprints.
- Implement a pilot blueprint with one project type: Develop a simple, pilot-level blueprint using one core process; test it with a small team so the client can see value quickly and give targeted feedback before scaling up.
- Leverage a phased rollout plan with a governance playbook: Document PMO processes as you build the blueprint; deliver a governance playbook that outlines roles, permissions, change control, and training so the client can scale Control Center in a structured, sustainable way.
This way, you come in with solutions outlined leaving more room to just take action and not have 10 more discussions.
What You Want vs. What You Don’t Want Statements when issues arise
Let’s say you have an issue of your coworker not responding to your request to follow up with the customer. She explains that she has other priorities and she’ll get to when she can. But you know that this issue will grow, she’s a repeat offender, and you’re going to be on the hook when the fire starts. The introvert power play is to not get emotional and crash out… you give her the “what you do want and what you don’t want” statement:
What you do want is for the customer to be happy — feeling heard, taken care of, and assured that we’re actively working on their issue.
What you don’t want is for the customer to feel ignored and escalate this issue to the director because they didn’t receive a timely update.
This gives your coworker a visual of the possibilities and how her actions will affect the outcomes.
The Biggest Introvert Power Play is the Science of Likability
- Be genuinely curious — ask questions like “What part of this project excites you most?”
- Remember names, and follow up on small personal details like “Hey, how did your trip go?”
- Get comfortable with a few dad jokes for light humor; they humanize you.
- Prep one or two short, friendly remarks for the first few minutes of every call; even if you hate small talk.
(Start with one solid minute; work up to five when you’re ready. Baby steps, sis — we got this! but always have time on the agenda)
Before I left, we were gifted a card from the incredible Coletrice that read something like, “You’re not introverted; you’re incredible.” Yep, I definitely teared up. This conference was everything — full of powerful moments like that, and lessons that hit deep. I hope you got as much from these tips as I did, and that they help you step into your introvert power and make those big career moves without losing yourself in the small talk. Keep owning your space, queen.
