Introverted Holidays: The 3rd Alternative Quest

December marks the beginning of the most stressful time of the year for many of us. Christmas parties, gift-giving hustle and bustle: it's a real undertaking, and not just for introverts. How to enjoy the pre-Christmas period and the holidays anyway? Find 3. alternatives! How to do it? Intro expert Sylvia C. Löhken and synergy guru Stephen R. Covey show you how. In our four-part Synergy series, you'll learn how introverts and extroverts can work together to develop ideas that are a win-win for everyone:   

 Tips from Sylvia Löhken

  1. use your active brain to think about interesting new solutions. Who, if not you?
  2. think about who could help you. Having creative ideas is great. To implement those ideas, approach the right people to take it on.
  3. First and foremost, at the Christmas party location, find out where you could take a short break in between.

Tips from Stephen Covey

  1. The key to the 3rd alternative is that you value differences. Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert: Learn from each other. Bring your respective strengths together. Surprisingly creative solutions are then possible.
  2. approach others openly: say truthfully when you are not comfortable with a situation. Ask your counterpart, "Are you willing to find a solution that is a win-win for both of us?"
  3. Don't settle for unwanted compromises. Compromise usually has a stale aftertaste. Use compromise suggestions as a springboard for new, better solutions.

Part 1: The Jingle Bells Project. A Christmas party of the third kind

Executive floor

 "Sure, I'm in!" Isabell sighs inwardly. The slippery slide towards the end of the year is spiked with sudden additional tasks. But when the CEO himself asks her to take care of the finance department's Christmas party at short notice, there is no escape. And she understands that with the current gaps in the teams, the human resources department has no capacity for Jingle Bells projects right now. It's a good sign that Erik, as head of the controlling department, trusts her to organize a party for 30 people. As an extrovert, maybe he thinks that the numerous introverts in the department only want tea and biscuits and then their peace and quiet anyway?

No, the party can't be like that. Isabelle's thoughts are dancing. She frowns. Then she smiles at Erik. "But only if we can schedule you as a surprise on 9 December," she adds. "Count me in. Surprises: always welcome!"

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About Sylvia Löhken and her books

Dr Sylvia Loehken is a highly in-demand coach and speaker who specialises in how introverts and extroverts can work together. She has a PhD in linguistics and communication, and is a qualified coach. She works with many of Europe's leading companies and institutions such as Berlin Regional Bank, Vienna University of Economics and Business, and University of Hamburg.

Dr. Sylvia Löhken encourages people to pursue their goals their own way. She understands the characteristics of introversion and extroversion as a diversity topic that brings very concrete results: more ease in personal performance, better cooperation - and more quality of life. Sylvia's clients include large corporations as well as small and medium-sized companies, international organisations and professional associations.

Sylvia's books have been translated into 30 languages and sold over 500,000 copies. She is author of the books "Quiet People - powerful words" (2022), "Quiet Impact"(2013) and "The Power of Personality" (2015). With these international bestsellers, Sylvia is often consulted as an expert in personalized communication. Leading media such as Die Zeit, Der Spiegel, Psychologies, El País and Madame Figaro published articles and features about her work; many print media interviewed her about intro- and extroverted life and work. In addition, Sylvia is often feaured on radio or television.