You must have heard the echoes of people repeating TikTok creator Jules Lebron’s viral video Until the cows and herds come home.
“You see how I do my makeup for work? “Very reserved, very careful,” LeBron began to describe his vision of a “respectable” look for a day at the office.
Since posting the video in early August, Chicago resident LeBron, who specializes in makeup and appearance tutorials, has racked up nearly 53 million views, igniting a digital obsession with achieving such a reserved but polished appearance. Have done.
“Being hesitant can actually give you an advantage at work,” admits Avery Morgan, chief communications officer of . edubirdyNote that the approach involves a mindset that promotes caution, confidence and calmness under pressure that is reflected in your working life.
Ahead, career professionals share how to become a confident career winner.
send delayed email
Ileana Goldstein, a certified professional career coach and founder Eliana Goldstein Coaching In NYC, they say being shy and cautious is about having good manners and being mindful of others.
Regarding this clear, concise and well-written approach to workplace correspondence, Goldstein said, “In the workplace, it will be well organized and polite.” Here’s an example of a demure email template shared by Goldstein:
Dear [Name]I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow slowly [specific task or project]If you need anything from me to help move things forward please don’t hesitate to let me know. I am here to support in any way I can. Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your efforts. Hello, [Your Name],
practice listening carefully
Morgan says being shy starts with listening more than speaking.
“In meetings or one-on-one, turn off your phone and turn off notifications to give yourself your full attention. “Focus on the speaker’s words, tone and body language without preparing a response too quickly,” he said.
When it’s your turn, pause for a moment to collect your thoughts, then give a thoughtful answer. It’s about quality over speed in your communications. Avoid interrupting and drawing conclusions. Instead, respond thoughtfully, showing that you’ve processed the information,” Morgan explained.
Yes, this attitude applies to Zoom meetings too. “When you’re multitasking — scrolling, reading emails or zoning out, we can all see,” warns Christina Campoy, a career coach and founder of Elevate in New York City.
Instead, listening attentively and being fully present not only helps the meeting go faster, but also ensures you catch key details and make meaningful contributions.
take your lunch break
“It’s not very careful or hesitant to keep a salad on your desk while sending an email. Taking this time for yourself is important to nourish your body and refresh your mind,” says Campoy, adding that doing so isn’t a sign of weakness — it signals that you’re in control of your workload and have a balance. Understand the importance.
“If you have a habit of working during lunch, start by taking just 10 minutes to focus on something that’s just for you. Small steps can make a big difference in breaking this cycle,” he said.
stop sorry
“It’s not a very thoughtful, not a very shy thing to do, to constantly apologize to your team members,” said Campoy, who admits she’s all for admitting your mistakes when necessary, but Apologizing for small things reduces the effectiveness of a genuine apology when it is really needed.
Campoy recommends swapping out “sorry” for “thank you.” For example, try “Thank you for your patience” instead of “Sorry for the delay.”
“Look, how am I not constantly apologizing for things that aren’t really mistakes? By shifting from unnecessary apologies to expressions of gratitude, you’re fostering a more confident, thoughtful presence, Campoy explained. This subtle change fosters a culture of respect and mindfulness, where the focus is on appreciation rather than self-blame.
Focus, pause, recharge, repeat
Morgan uses this mantra to display a demure presence at work.
“Keep your to-do list focused on what really matters by prioritizing quality over quantity. This restrained approach helps prevent overwhelm and ensures each task gets the attention it deserves,” she said. “After completing a task or ending a call, take a break — whether it’s enjoying a coffee, stretching, or getting outside for fresh air.”
work smarter, not harder
While being “very hesitant, very cerebral” in a professional capacity, Campoy emphasizes that you don’t have to volunteer for every little opportunity that comes your way.
“Over-commitment can lead to burnout and reduce the quality of your work. “Instead, strive for smaller, higher-visibility projects that fit your strengths and career goals,” she said. “By working smarter, not harder, you’ll make a bigger impact with less effort, showing that deliberate choices lead to more meaningful contributions.”
avoid office drama
Besides, you know, avoiding office drama while keeping your sanity intact and achieving rapid success in your career is good for those who want to emulate your most shy nature.
You’ll want to maintain a calm, neutral stance, Morgan said.
“Instead of engaging in gossip or fights, focus on positive conversations and constructive feedback. When drama arises, don’t take sides or get involved in it,” she said. “Simply listen, acknowledge the problem and redirect the conversation toward solutions or work-related topics.”
If nothing else, resolve to wait 15 minutes and take a deep breath before getting involved in heated office politics.
Don’t you feel more hesitant than before?
