Space is a theme that I see with many of my coachees. Many introverts tend to give others so much space that they hardly have any space themselves. Sooner or later that will start to become a problem. However, there are ways to get more space in your own way.
Introverts like to give others space. They do not feel the need to come to the fore themselves and thereby give others the opportunity to share their ideas. A very nice feature, but as with everything, you can also overdo this. That happens when you give the other so much space that you have nothing left.
I often see this happening when an introvert is doing something in a team. For example, during a meeting he takes up (too) little space, so that his ideas are not heard. Or he does a lot of work, for which someone else gets the credits. Both situations lead to a feeling of 'I am not seen' or 'I should have done that differently'.
People-oriented
This is caused by the introvert's people-orientation. This is both his quality and his pitfall. Introverts are often very allergic to selfish people or people who claim a lot of space. What they don't realize, however, is that they can learn something from that allergy. Suppose they showed just a tiny bit of that behavior, they would give themselves a little more space and thus find a little more balance in giving and taking space.
If you have been used to giving (too) much space for years, it may take you a while to master this. However, it helps a lot if you have more insight into this. You will then increasingly be able to take up a little more space. That way you get the space, both literally and figuratively, and others will see better what you have to offer. With that, you are doing both yourself and your environment a great favor.
Do you want to learn to take more space your way? This is one of the things that I help my coachees with. Don't hesitate to reach out if you want to know more.
