Embracing the Strengths of Introverted Journalists: Navigating Success in a Loud World
In the fast-paced and often extroverted world of journalism, the image of the assertive and outspoken reporter dominates. However, the reality is that introverts can excel in journalism as well, leveraging their unique strengths to navigate the challenges of the profession. Courtney Bublé, a staff correspondent for Government Executive, recognized the need to shed light on the experiences of introverted journalists and created a valuable online guide.
Bublé's project was inspired by her own experiences as an introverted journalist and her desire to understand how introverts thrive in their careers.
“There’s always this notion, especially in journalism,” said Bublé, “that you have to be the loudest person in the room.” She turned to Susan Cain's groundbreaking book "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" as a starting point. Bublé called the book ““the holy grail of works about introversion.” “She [Susan Cain] said [in the book] that there can be an overlap with being shy and quiet with introversion, but it doesn’t have to be those things.” From there, Bublé began to create a guide for introverted journalists.
To create a comprehensive guide, Bublé sought insights from experts and fellow introverted journalists. She interviewed researchers such as Karl Moore from McGill University and former Online News Association (ONA) CEO Irving Washington, who had previously presented on the topic. Bublé also conducted a survey through a Google Form to gather additional information from self-identifying introverted journalists.
“Talking to the experts and getting the survey results back really brought to the surface things like, oh yeah, I am a really good listener and it does make (journalism) easier,” she said.
The guide Bublé went on to produce is meant to help introverted journalists develop practical strategies, which Bublé consolidated from her research, to thrive in their careers. It emphasizes the power of simplicity by focusing on listening and asking thoughtful questions during press conferences. Small actions like holding a notebook can provide introverts with a sense of comfort and focus, as well, and can assist in taking focus off of an overwhelming room. Additionally, the guide includes a section for extroverts to understand and support their introverted colleagues, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative work environment.
For Bublé, working on the guide was not only informative but also therapeutic. Through her project, she aims to help introverted journalists feel less alone and empower them to embrace their unique strengths. As Bublé's own mother discovered, reading the guide allowed her to gain insights into her daughter's work and become a better listener. “She said she learned a few things about being a better listener and letting other people talk,” mused Bublé.
Introverts are often sidelined in more active and outgoing fields such as journalism and theater but–even corporate workers can find themselves in a room full of extroverts more often than not. Bublé’s guide provides a valuable alternative for introverts who need a way to balance their career with their personal needs, without sacrificing the need for networking and building relationships in the industry. It also will inevitably lead to better journalism given that journalists have been shown to create better work when all of their needs are met.
