My personality and my introversion mean that I am a listener first, and a talker second. That has always served me well.
For me, it’s also important to know when to be silent because:
The matter doesn’t concern me or involve me (two slightly different things)
I don’t know enough about the background or the facts (as a former journalist who takes pride in not spreading misinformation this is important to me)
I haven’t taken the time to work out how I really feel about a thing (I usually need time to process)
I’m not in the right head space for the words I write or speak to truly reflect my perspective (I tend to let articles sit and marinate for a while before hitting publish)
What I say won’t add to the conversation and might do more harm (it's always wise to know what I don't know, and to recognize that there are almost always layers)
In other words, I do not feel I have to comment on everything, nor do I attend every fight I am invited to (especially if the invitation is coming from people who don’t have my best interests at heart).
I think this approach makes me stronger - what do you think?
Sharon Hurley Hall is an anti-racism educator, author of I’m Tired of Racism, and founder of the SHHARE anti-racism community and of Sharon’s Anti-Racism Newsletter, which provides tools and lived experiences to fuel systemic change. A seasoned professional writer and journalist, she leverages over 30 years of experience to mentor introverted leaders, and is co-founder and co-host of the Introvert Sisters Podcast. Her recent work focuses on helping Black and Global Majority women achieve high-impact visibility and professional influence without the exhaustion of performing extroversion.
© Sharon Hurley Hall, 2026. All Rights Reserved. This newsletter is published on beehiiv (affiliate link).