An Introvert in an Extrovert’s Job

If you’re wondering if a job doesn’t seem right for you but could get you out of your comfort zone and succeed, read on.

TPMs (technical project/program/product managers) are typically in back-to-back meetings, often facilitating them. Days are often spent getting buy in for projects and communicating with others.

This constant interaction implies that performing as a TPM requires an inherent sense of extroversion, but what if it doesn’t?

My friend Mario, a TPM at Snap Inc., shared what it’s like to work in technical management while also leaning introverted.

He happened upon the career, and after 5 years of TPM work, Mario is running the largest company-wide meeting at Snap with no less than 100 people on each call.

“At first, I had to force myself into those settings, but then my ability to speak in front of large crowds grew like a muscle. Would I go back to being as introverted as I was if I stopped using that muscle? Maybe,” Mario says.

He believes his greatest strength as an introverted TPM is his ability to listen. Mario focuses on collecting opinions and making assessments based on all that he hears. He also chooses moments carefully to raise contradictions , making him highly effective.

However, being a good listener isn’t the only skill necessary to be a TPM. TPMs must be meeting facilitators too. Steering a conversation when highly opinionated people are having a heated discussion can be a challenge, especially for someone more reserved. To do so, Mario found power in meeting agendas, which he uses to redirect conversations and squelch conflict.

The success of Mario’s introverted skillset challenges the conventional idea that TPMs need to be extroverted. In fact, it may suggest that most teams would benefit under the leadership of an introverted TPM.

All in all, if you think that you would enjoy the work and think you have a chance to do something important, ignore what is traditionally associated with the job. Take on an opportunity that you think might not belong to you. Bring your own unique perspective and skillset to the table, and you might change the game.