Five Things to Know and Value About Introverts
We live in a culture that values extroversion over introversion. Those who have plenty to say and express themselves in a charismatic, confident, even loud manner, are typically considered more promotable and more the “leadership type” in organizations. Extroverts are energized by being around people and typically enjoy the company of others over being alone.
Introverts, those who often prefer their own company and quiet time to think their thoughts, need space to recharge after interacting with others. Introverts are not anti-social and typically are not shy. They just prefer time in smaller groups of people when it is time to be with others. In organizations introverts are often overlooked in meetings and when promotions to leadership roles are considered.
Neither personality type is better than the other. It is, however, important to know what your type is, introvert or extrovert or somewhere in the middle, and the wiring of those you work with and live with. Part of loving and caring for others is recognizing their innate personality characteristics and making room for what they need given their type.
The study of introversion versus extroversion is one that has fascinated me for many years. As an extrovert I value the way introverted friends anchor me and appreciate their typically steady approach to life.
Here are five important things to know about introverts:
Introverts can be good to have around when decisions are being made. They tend to think longer and more deeply before taking action than extroverts do. Giving introverts time to analyze a situation and provide their preferred course of action can save time and money in the long run, even though their extroverted counterparts might become frustrated waiting to hear from the introverts in the group.
Introverts prefer time to gather and organize their thoughts before they present them and share them. Extroverts tend to dominate conversations and don’t always have the self-awareness to make space for and invite introverts to share their views. To make space for introverts when running a meeting, ask everyone to write down their ideas instead of having the typical brain-storming session that is often dominated by extroverts. After giving everyone time to record their ideas, specifically ask each person to share their thoughts.
Introverts tend to be more sensitive and aware of other people’s feelings than extroverts do. They are usually studying people and social situations and trying to determine the next thing they might say, while extroverts tend to dive right in without a plan of action and interaction.
Introverts tend to be more sensitive to noise and other sensory inputs. Loud, crowded spaces are not typically the place to take an introverted, sensitive person and expect them to have a good time.
We have been encultured to work in teams. Doing group work in school has become the norm under the banner of “you will need to do this in the workplace”. Perhaps employers should provide more time and space for people to work alone. A sea of office cubicles and constant meetings is one of the worst formats in which to expect introverts to work and be productive.
If the roots of how introversion and extroversion have come to be viewed in American culture and the comparison of both personality types is of interest to you, pick up a copy of Susan Cain’s book, “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking”. Ms. Cain provides a deep and thorough review of the topic in an easy-to-read style.