how do you help a shy coworker?

Question

I have a coworker who is extremely shy and timid. I know she is competent and motivated but I worry that she will fall behind simply because she doesn't speak up at all - it really seems like she is terrified to open her mouth and participate in conversations at work. I want to help her but I'm not sure how to approach her without making her feel worse. Any advice?

Carrie Topolski · Answer

Is there any opportunity for a development session? Can you request specific development sessions for self development? I don't think approaching her is a bad thing.  I think talking to her about it may help. She may tell you why she is so hesitant to speak up.  Maybe something happened to her that she is scared to speak up for herself.  Self confidence is a big struggle for many women.  Maybe there is a class that she can take on her own if the company doesn't provide one already?

Lady Pele · Answer

Encourage her to take some type of public speaking class, if at all possible.  If not, during meetings, ask her opinion or if she's said something out of the meeting, you can say 'Shycoworker had a great idea' about this and then repeat her comments.  It's a smaller group and may be less threatening.

how do you help a shy coworker?

You're invited.

See what women are sharing on Fairygodboss.