{"id":20141,"date":"2023-01-27T07:43:15","date_gmt":"2023-01-27T07:43:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aristaexecutive.com\/?p=20141"},"modified":"2024-04-02T15:38:57","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T15:38:57","slug":"harvard-neuroscientist-the-most-underrated-skill-all-successful-people-have-especially-introverts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aristaexecutive.com\/en\/blog\/harvard-neuroscientist-the-most-underrated-skill-all-successful-people-have-especially-introverts\/","title":{"rendered":"Harvard neuroscientist: The ‘most underrated’ skill all successful people have\u2014’especially introverts’"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Author: Juliette Han, @JULIETTEHANPHD<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve always been an introvert. When I got my first job after earning my PhD in neuroscience, I was concerned that I’d have a tough time communicating with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But I quickly learned that I didn’t need to force myself to be extroverted. The most underrated skill that successful people, especially introverts, have is the ability to write clearly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in. If you are a thoughtful and strategic writer, you’ll be more confident in your interactions \u2014 in emails, public speaking or even just small talk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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andreonegin | Envato Elements<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Here’s my best advice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Pick the right format for your message<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you communicate an idea or request, decide on the best format to deliver your information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if you are sharing research involving complex data, then a PowerPoint displaying charts and images may be the best format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are announcing management decisions, send a detailed email. Bullet points are a great way to get readers to focus on and digest information. You can also use the “STAR” method: situation, task, action and result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For discussions like progress updates or collecting feedback, a short email or in-person visit is generally sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Avoid industry jargon.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Plain and simple language is the most effective way to articulate complex topics. Avoid jargon or industry acronyms, no matter how universal you think they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider using graphics or analogies to drive your point home. One of the best examples I’ve ever seen of this was when an executive designed his annual financial strategy presentation to mimic a children’s book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But don’t include extraneous details that can go off topic or overwhelm the audience. If it’s not necessary for the conversation, move it to the bottom of your note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Reduce the amount of effort the audience needs to put in.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your recipients are bombarded with emails and documents all day. So before you send anything:<\/p>\n\n\n\n