High Impact at Low Decibels: How Anxiety-Filled Introverts (and others) Can Thrive in the Workplace

by Mike Schiller

A practical ‘how to’ book showing the world’s anxiety-filled introverts (and anxiety-filled extroverts too) how they can not only survive but also thrive in the workplace, as told by one of their own.

The workplace often seems geared towards extroverts and people with high self-confidence, and it can lead to the rest of us putting artificial limits on ourselves. In this book, you will receive a first-hand description of how to succeed in the workplace, as told by a self-described anxiety-filled introvert who successfully navigated that world, moving from technical roles to management to executive leadership.

This book will enable you



Better understand the internal struggles that many of us experience and that can make life more difficult for us at work, from social anxiety to imposter syndrome to fear of public speaking and more,Implement real-world, practical techniques to mitigate these internal struggles and prevent them from becoming career derailers, while also turning them into an advantage,Create your own personal toolkit of methods for coping with stress and anxiety at work and protect your mental health.This book goes beyond theory. It’s not a collection of platitudes and clichéd motivational sayings–it’s relatable, practical, and told with humor. If you’re one of the world’s many anxiety-filled introverts (or extroverts) and are looking for help thriving in the workplace, High Impact at Low Decibels is for you.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2024

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

High impact at low decibels is a significant personal development book that focuses on building self-confidence and eliminating internal struggles and anxiety ridden thought processes.

The book is segmented into two sections. The first one explores six observations which is further disclosed into three parts: Wish or Reality, mitigation and turning it to strength. The second section of the book offers notable and salient tools to help you recognise your strength, build momentum, positive reinforcements and efforts.

Debunking the theory of introvert versus extrovert based on social interactions, the author has extensively explained that it is rather based on energies. The aspects as such what fulfills you, what makes you feel revitalized and ready for the next challenge whether it's public interactions or a few moments alone to yourself.
This book encompasses multiple insights and helpful tools to approach and thrive in your workplace in a way that isn't stressful or anxious. Learn about overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Inferiority Complex.

The workplace is a dynamic space, you will meet people with different personalities and behaviours, and have differences of opinions. This puts a compact pressure on the introverts limiting their potential.

For an introvert, every social interaction is like an iceberg. You can see the tip where they are talking with you, the events and situations transpiring and all but below the surface there is the internal monologue of what ifs, anxiety, stress of saying the right thing and so on. Besides such thoughts, it is important to understand that while venturing into the territory of wish and reality, these should not derail you. Suffice to say turning your weakness into strength is more subjective than operational because first we need to address the root cause.

I'd highly recommend this book to everyone.

[Tim Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Schiller’s High Impact at Low Decibels is a refreshing and insightful guide for introverts and those who struggle with workplace anxiety, offering practical strategies to navigate professional environments without compromising authenticity. Schiller masterfully combines research, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice to help quieter professionals harness their strengths, build confidence, and thrive in high-pressure settings. The book challenges the outdated notion that success belongs only to the loudest voices, instead celebrating the power of thoughtful leadership, deep listening, and strategic communication.

What sets this book apart is its compassionate and encouraging tone, making it an empowering read for anyone who has ever felt overlooked or misunderstood in the workplace. Schiller’s advice is both realistic and achievable, providing tools for introverts to assert themselves without pretending to be extroverts. Whether you're an introverted professional, a manager looking to support diverse work styles, or simply someone seeking to improve workplace dynamics, High Impact at Low Decibels is an invaluable resource that proves success isn’t about volume—it’s about impact.

[Valeria Niño-Schiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an ambivert, High Impact at Low Decibels offered me a profound perspective on understanding and appreciating the introverted approach to leadership and communication. Mike Schiller’s insights have not only deepened my empathy for introverts but also provided me with practical strategies to tackle one of the most self-conscious aspects of my professional growth: public speaking.

The book’s emphasis on creating a personalized toolkit resonated deeply with me. It encouraged me to curate methods for relaxation and preparation, helping me approach public speaking with greater confidence and clarity. Schiller’s thoughtful guidance has transformed an intimidating challenge into a manageable and even rewarding aspect of my career development.

This is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to amplify their presence without compromising their authenticity. I highly recommend it to those who seek to balance introspection with impact in both personal and professional settings.

[Robert Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I never worked with Mike much when he was at TI, but always heard good things and he seemed like a good dude. He also apparently is very much like me on the introvert front. This reads more like a memoir-style self-help book rather than a scientific treatise, and I actually like that more for this topic. There are plenty of words on the detailed psychology behind introverts and how that plays in the corporate world, but I enjoyed this firsthand account of what actually worked for a long time corporate executive. It’s not exactly a list of groundbreaking new techniques, but having some of the classics set against the backdrop of real experience really helped some of these hit home a little more.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Affirming, though not the most helpful. It was written like a memoir, and more enjoyable than most business books. Schiller seems like a nice person to have as a boss.

This was an on-the-nose recommendation from a colleague. I am both amused and touched.