It is estimated that anywhere from one third to one half of Americans are introverts, so it can be assumed that a large portion of the U.S. workforce is comprised of introverts. While some feel that introverts may not make the best employees, common introvert traits like sensitivity, seriousness, and the tendency to think creatively but not self-promote, actually make introverts excellent employees when they find a balance between their innate personality and their professional strengths. Here’s how:

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone – Although it may be challenging, it’s important to step out of your comfort zone. If you get an invitation to join someone for lunch, say yes. While you may feel more comfortable having lunch by yourself, joining your colleagues for lunch will give you a chance to get to know them on a more personal level. Even if you are shy or nervous, being present will show that you are a part of the office dynamic, which will increase your chances of making real connections with fellow coworkers.

Speak Up in a Meeting – Those who found it difficult to raise their hand in school may find it equally as difficult to participate in meetings. Whether it’s self-doubt or the fear of judgment, don’t let this hold you back from participating. To do this: learn from experience – if you constantly find yourself saying the correct answer or giving valuable insight in your mind, most likely your comments and suggestions will be highly received and praised. Remind yourself of your capabilities and knowledge, and don’t sell yourself short. Push yourself to be among the first to speak, because the sooner you get your words out there, the less time self-doubt has to set in. Pick an item on the agenda ahead of time that you’d like to comment on, and prepare to discuss it in advance.

Consider Your Strengths – Make a list of your strengths and be sure to showcase them. When making your list, draw on past experiences. Think back to situations in which you truly excelled and demonstrated your professional value. Similarly, consider conversations you wish you could redo, or situations you would handle differently if you could. Knowing what you want to change about yourself will give you a clear idea of what you need to work on. Your list of great qualities will serve to remind you of all the positive things about yourself and your personality. The goal should be to showcase your existing strengths and begin to improve in other areas.

Try Being Bold – Try being bold for a day. Be completely unconcerned with what people think about you, and you’ll likely feel carefree. Say hi to whoever you want to say hi to and shamelessly join in on a conversation. If you do this once, doing it again will be easier, and serve as valuable practice in speaking up in more professional settings.

Observe – This one should be easy. Introverts tend to be very observant, so put that skill to good use. Take a look around your office – who are the most talkative people? Who has the best phone skills? Think about what makes them so friendly and open, and how they start their conversations. Observe their tone of voice and the way they interact with others. This will give you some valuable insight on what people respond well to and give you a few pointers on tactics you might want to try out yourself. For example, you might notice how natural extroverts never seem to speak in a rush. A shy person might jumble all their words together in an attempt to speak as quickly as possible to get it out of the way. Take your observations and try to apply them to yourself.

Ask Questions – The easiest way to participate in a meeting or presentation is to ask others to elaborate. Simple questions will draw attention to the fact that you are engaging and participating as fully as everyone else. Be sure to ask your questions intelligently, and that you aren’t asking for information that has already been given. You want to seem alert and thoughtful, rather than confused.