An introvert is often portrayed as someone who lacks social skills, a person who prefers to peek out from behind the curtain, satisfied to remain a spectator. In contrast, extraverts are viewed as social butterflies that bask assuredly in the limelight, assuming their place is at center stage. While the social swirl of life in which we engage can reflect our personality type, this common perception is not entirely accurate: the difference between introversion and extraversion has much more to do with how we express and channel our energy. An introvert’s energy draws deeply from their internal world. Less showy and overt, they enjoy a life of some solitude, so they can explore their feelings and ideas from within, reflecting on life without distractions.
The Myth About Introversion
Contrary to popular belief, introverts are not necessarily shy or antisocial. They are often sharp observers and listen well. Good listeners by design, introverts prefer to take in all pertinent information before speaking, but then very often surprise their audience by making relevant, thoughtful contributions when they finally speak up.
In America, we live in a culture that favors extraversion. Initiative is rewarded, speaking out is cheered, and taking action is applauded. For an introvert, this reality can leave one walking in an extravert’s shadow. If you are an introvert you may question your personal value and ability to compete in the face of our culture and market changes, when in fact an introvert’s natural strength and energy can be an asset in growing and building a successful business.
6 Powerful Strengths of Introversion
Reflecting- Introverts tend to think before speaking. The time you take to more deeply consider relevant questions and to identify key points often results in valuable contributions and insightful comments when you do finally speak up. All you need to do is voice one opinion or idea to gain recognition and acknowledgement in a meeting or special project. Introverts can also use their quiet energy and tendency to ponder before they speak as a strategic tool to succeed in networking, presentations and business meetings.
Listening- Just because someone talks incessantly doesn’t mean they are knowledgeable or a fountain of world shattering ideas. Introverts listen carefully and show interest by asking well-considered questions. They often excel at drawing people out which can make them very effective in cultivating and sustaining strong business relationships. Your ability to listen shows interest in the mutual process and in other players, which in turn builds trust, an essential quality in negotiating contracts and building business.
Concentration– Introverts are highly stimulated by the process of digging deep to investigate, analyze and get to the bottom of a crucial business issue or presenting problem. This ability to intensely focus often leads you to productive and innovative problem solving
When Bill Gates, a self-proclaimed introvert, was questioned on his key to success in a predominantly extroverted world, he commented on the introvert’s approach to solving problems: “I think introverts can do quite well. If you’re clever you can learn to get the benefits of being an introvert, which might be, say, being willing to go off for a few days and think about a tough problem, read everything you can, push yourself very hard to think out on the edge of that area.”
Writing- For most introverts writing is a natural strength. It allows you to think things through freely and thoroughly without interruption in a quiet space. The ability to express yourself in writing is an essential ingredient in doing business. Introverts often perform well when it comes to communicating on paper or online, producing organized and well- scripted business correspondence, proposals and plans.
Creativity-Introverts spend more time in solitude energized by their own thoughts. Quiet and alone time is fertile ground for you to dream, call upon the imagination and birth novel ideas and approaches that can impact the growth and success of your business.
Sensitivity- The need for quiet reflection may also cause introverts to overthink things but this often makes you more sensitive and responsive to the feelings and sensibilities of those around you. You know what it’s like to feel invisible in large groups. That makes you more conscious of ensuring that everyone relevant to an issue or situation is included in a work conversation or meeting.
In today’s business world, you can achieve a competitive edge by building problem-solving skills, exercising creative thinking, sharpening written and verbal communications talents, and furthering relationship building and collaboration. These are all skills that are natural strengths for introverts and can allow you to expand and stand out in your own business. Introverts just need to appreciate their personal value and then balance their introversion with a sprinkling of extravert skills.
