4 Surprising Ways Introverts Add Amazing Value to Your Organization
Published June 21, 2017
Introverts who live in a world full of extroverts can often feel overwhelmed. When it comes to the corporate world, fortune favors the bold and there’s not much that can be done about that when most jobs are more suited for extroverts than Introverts. If you’re an extrovert, you don’t have to worry about changing your personality style but focus on how you can use your strengths to an advantage in the workplace.
Introverts are often considered quiet, shy and timid individuals who keep to themselves. They become uncomfortable around large crowds of people and they usually do their best work alone. Carl Jung, the man who coined the terms ‘introvert and extrovert’ claimed that these two individuals are different from one another in one way – their source of energy. In a University study conducted by Dr. Ali Lakhani and Dr. Kevin Gazzara in 2008, found that extraverts have an initial advantage of being perceived more as leaders than introverts.
Introverts gain energy from spending time alone while on the other hand, extroverts recharge their batteries by surrounding themselves with people. In this blog, I will share with you some interesting insights on why every workplace needs to have introverts.
1) Good Listeners
According to Cain, introverts are good listeners. They have the ability to listen carefully, process information on a deeper level and develop innovative solutions to solve problems. Being a good listener in the corporate environment is a priceless skill and introverts are born with this amazing talent.
2) Creative Strategists
Introverts put the ‘I’ in teamwork. They’re better working alone rather than working together with many people, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. An interesting line of research conducted by psychologists Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and Dr. Gregory Feist suggests that more creative individuals usually have introverted personalities. Their propensity to work in solitude is one of their biggest strengths, as they focus and deliberate on the smallest of details when designing strategies and creative solutions.
Here’s a fun fact: Steve Wozniak, an introvert designed the first Apple Macintosh, sitting alone in his cubicle at Hewlett Packard. Yes, my dear introverts, there’s nothing you cannot do if you put your mind to it!
3) Close Ties With Those Who Matter
Contrary to popular belief, introverts cherish the close relationships they have with certain people. They can be extremely relational and they work hard to maintain these close relationships. Their social circle is small, but their relationships with friends and colleagues are built on trust and often deeper than those developed by extroverts.
4) Sound Decision Making Skills
Introverts think long and hard before they make key decisions. They are more into conscious, reflective thinking which generally works in their favor as they tend to make decisions after weighing all the pros and cons objectively. Now that you know some of the key personality traits of introverts in the workplace, use these strengths to your advantage to shine out in the workplace.
Are you an introvert? If so, please share your thoughts and views with us below on how you make your mark in the office environment.
Want to know more on how to Introverts to improve your organization? We would be excited to give you our best ideas. Please Click here to connect with one of Magna Leadership’s advisors. https://magnaleader.co/MeetMagna
Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
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