Unenthusiastic

I was in a meeting this week and a coworker introduced me to a new employee by saying "He's not the most enthusiastic person, but does excellent work". I felt hurt by that intro, but I know I don't show much excitement at work. It is difficult for me to sound enthusiastic when I battle anxiety and depression on many workdays. I guess I didn't realize how much people noticed -- like a glimpse in a mirror of how my coworkers see me. I do wonder if my unenthusiastic personality limits my opportunities at work. I am not sure how to smile more and be more excited and animated.

Hello Yzen: I guess this introduction was sort-of a mixed blessing, as they say. I'm afraid enthusiasm was never my "long suit" at work either. I wonder if you could share, with your supervisor, the new perspective you've gained; or perhaps, if there is someone else in the company you feel comfortable talking with, you could ask them for some feedback with regard to how you come across & what you might do to appear more enthusiastic?

Of course, the other possibility is to simply observe other employees, see how they conduct themselves, & see if there are things they do you could adopt to make yourself appear more enthusiastic. It's unfortunate that, as someone who does excellent work, you also have to be concerned about whether or not you come across as enthusiastic. But that is the reality of the world of work if you want to get ahead.

Ouch, your coworker really put their foot in their mouth with that intro. Does he/she have a reputation for being blunt or tactless? This is one person who said something dumb or who was trying too hard to think of something clever. It doesn't necessarily mean that everyone you work with thinks you are unenthusiastic.

She is very enthusiastic and does say what is on her mind. She told me one time that I sounded down and thought I should be happy because our projects were going well. She asked me. "What's wrong?" I was caught off guard and told her I was just tired. I guess she is trying to figure me out.

Some people aren't very expressive nor is everyone an extrovert. I don't see anything wrong that at all. It seems to be a big issue for ultra extroverted people.

I'm hard to read. My boss complains about it sometimes. When he does I just tell him to ask.