Stress manifests differently for everyone. Some people express themselves verbally, while others, when stressed, withdraw: they retreat and turn inward. Sometimes they seem out of touch with reality. For instance, they might start projects and then fail to finish them, wasting significant amounts of time. They often neglect self-care or their responsibilities. Because they don't ask for help, they are easily overlooked.
A practical example: Bas
As a buyer, Bas is surrounded by many people every day. To be able to reflect properly, he regularly isolates himself by putting on headphones. As a result, he appears inaccessible to some colleagues. Others doubt whether he is actually doing his job, and some accuse him of failing to keep his appointments. In his own 'bubble,' Bas experiences peace and space to maintain a good overview and think outside the box. The moment people unexpectedly pull him out of his bubble, Bas is often momentarily lost. Many questions are immediately asked of him, making it difficult for him to respond. Due to his—in the eyes of others—absent attitude, others judge his work. Bas no longer feels welcome in the department, and there is a chance he will lose his job.
Understanding Quiet Colleagues
People who withdraw and remain quiet have a greater need than others to be alone to recharge. They don't benefit from being left entirely to their own devices. What does help is clearly defined time and space for themselves, along with the assurance that others will reconnect and tell them what needs to be done. With proper guidance, they work well independently. However, without direction and structure, they easily become passive, as if waiting for instructions. These individuals are naturally thoughtful, resourceful, and calm. They possess a rich inner imagination that thrives best without excessive distractions and social interactions. The dilemma for this group is their dual need for solitude and guidance. They seek direction from others. When alone and faced with an independent decision, they have two options: they must either provide themselves with direction to decide, or they withdraw, risking a passive stance. There's a chance they will then continue to wait for something or someone else.
Do you recognize yourself in this?
Know that when you face important decisions, you can manage perfectly well on your own. However, if the opportunity arises, ask for guidance. Surround yourself with people you trust: they can tell you what to do. Also important: schedule me-time , which is time you spend alone. Whether it's in the park, with your musical instrument, or by the fishing pond, the point is that this alone time recharges you. It's okay to say no to social activities if you know they drain too much of your energy.
Tips for communicating with isolators
Give commands instead of asking questions. For example, don't ask: “What time will you be done?”, but say: “Let me know when you are done.”
Give these individuals plenty of uninterrupted blocks of alone time.
When instructing their work, you divide the tasks into a few separate steps.
Provide instructions and then leave them to it.
Tell them when to return, or check on them regularly.
Remind them of deadlines and responsibilities.
Don't expect much socializing or chatter.
Inspired by Nate Regier's blog / https://www.next-element.com/
