Why Introverts Need To Be Embraced And Not Shunned

An introvert, by definition is a person predominantly concerned with his or her own thoughts and feelings rather than external inducements when compared to an extrovert who reacts positively to external stimuli and objective consideration.

Both types of personalities could have moments of switching depending on the milieu. A quiet home bound introvert might have reasons to act like a party loving extrovert for that particular moment, while an extrovert will have moments where he or she would prefer to stay home instead of going out ie; the Friday night he or she was invited to! But this does not change the natural traits of what differentiates each other.

Introverts naturally prefer solitude, while extroverts are stimulated by external feedback. Introverts work more efficiently when given personal space, while extroverts love the idea of collaborating. Introverts are less open and more sensitive to the slightest change while extroverts will express themselves more freely with lower levels of external stimuli. These are a few traits that differentiate the two personality types.

It is however deceptive; todays’ society would value a man of action over a man of contemplation although both are equally capable of successfully completing the particular task. While companies focus on profit sharing and sustainability, what organizations often misunderstand is the power of the quiet. Some of the prominent introverted figures including Bill Gates, Mahatma Gandhi and Steve Wozniak prove the stereotypical perspective wrong. While focusing on their craft, social stimulation acted as a distraction; getting in way of their thinking thus enabling them to work their best when given the freedom of solitude. Stated below are a few reasons Introverts should be embraced instead of being shunned upon.

Introverted leaders listen to what their followers have to say. The listening skills integrated with a varying degree of humility of an introvert will allow him/her to carefully process and implement the colleagues’ ideas.

Their liking for solitude paves way for opportunities, to self-reflect, observe, think, plan and integrate creativity. Astonishing developments have occurred through the process of integrating personal ideas with organisational goals.  

Introverts are not only quieter, but they are also generally calm and collected in the midst of adversity. Creating a peaceful environment that engenders trust and safety for those around. In the midst of pressure, introverted individuals will posses the capability to think critically and be objective. Their lack of emotion expressed to the outer world will make introverts diplomatic in the workplace, taking rational decisions during tensed situations.

Introverts prefer to connect One-on-One or in small group and around issues they find most important. They make more meaningful contact with these people paving way for stable professional relationships. The listening, observational and analytical skills of an introvert will make them more interested in work that require attention to detail.

    The list would continue as to why introverts needs to be embraced and not eschewed. However the takeaway of this is: Don't dismiss the person who is seated at the corner table in the cafeteria who is to himself/herself rather than talking with the group of friends he/she is surrounded by. Their  actions will speak louder and you will never know where the next Bill Gates or Warren Buffet will come from.

For further reading; 'Quiet; The Power of Introverts' ab insightful book written by Susan Cain, is an astonishing piece of writing that carefully analyses both prospects of introversion and extroversion in detail.