Conversations with Authors: Smart, Not Loud

“Quiet culture bias” can inhibit the professional growth of more quiet or reserved workers.

The culture of many workplaces favors louder and more assertive personalities. However unintentional, this “quiet culture bias” can create barriers for those who are naturally soft-spoken or come from cultural backgrounds that value humility and reserve. Higher-ups sometimes see these quieter individuals as disengaged or lacking ambition, hindering professional growth for those who prefer to communicate differently.

One way a professional with a quiet demeanor can counteract the quiet culture bias is to maintain a “yay folder”: a record of achievements and positive feedback that serves as evidence of that person’s contributions during performance reviews or advocacy moments. Leaders, meanwhile, should grow their awareness of quiet culture bias. This awareness can keep those in charge from making incorrect assumptions about a quieter person’s desire to contribute or level of engagement. Leaders should...