It’s my first day of work and everyone is talking about the finale of Love Island.
Considering I live-tweeted (threaded?) the whole episode, you'd think I might want to get involved in this particular conversation. On the other hand, talking to other humans seems like an unreasonable ask at 9 am.
Hi, my name is Caileen and I am an introvert who learned to love being just that.
The workplace introvert is in the middle of a modern-day rebranding. But what is an introvert and what differentiates them from extroverts? Can an introvert become an extrovert? Can you be both an introvert and an extrovert?
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What is an Introvert?
By definition, an introvert is described as a shy, reticent person. Personally, I find that definition to be too stark and simple.
Coined by psychologist Carl Jung in the 1920s, Introvert or Extrovert (aka extravert) were terms used to describe how two groups derive their energy.
Introverts derive energy from solitude, deep thinking, and time spent alone.
Extroverts derive their energy from the people around them.
Extroverts derive their energy from the people around them.
Each end of the spectrum is important—especially when they team up in the workplace.
Before diving in, I want to make one thing very clear. I think extroverts are marvelous—and I do still wish that I could speak to a room of 100 people without sweating through all of my clothes. I wish that I didn't have anxiety when I don't know a single soul in the room. I wish I could boldly break into a circle of people talking to dive right into their conversation about whatever trashy television they're discussing.
The reality, though, is that introverts are people who need to observe before diving into a conversation with loud opinions. Introverts are measured and methodical about what they say, why they say it, and when they say it.
Introverts, despite popular belief, are not entirely adverse to social interactions. Instead, they often use their introversion to suss out their thoughts and feelings.
Personally, it took me a long, long time to accept that my introversion was a strength, not a weakness.
I think (I hope!) that my introversion has created an empathetic understanding of the world around me—and I think that is one of the greatest superpowers of an introvert.
4 Types of Introverts
Per Happier Human, there are four main types of introverts—and they're all slightly different. Some have the tendency to get lost in their own thoughts.
Others really love to socialize, but typically with their own group of trusted friends.
- A social introvert prefers interacting in small groups.
- A thinking introvert spends long periods of time absorbed in their own thoughts or imagination.
- An anxious introvert requires time alone due to shyness, awkwardness around others, or a lack of self-confidence.
- An inhibited introvert makes cautious and calculated interactions, reserving their thoughts and feelings to themselves.
While there is no "rule" that you must fit into one of these categories, they are a pretty good summary of how introversion can manifest in a person. In fact, you might be surprised to find folks describe themselves as introverts because they appear to be extroverted.
Personally, I relate most to the social introvert. I love small groups of my most beloved. Even my closest friends told me they never really clocked me as an introvert until they saw how nervous I was at my (very, very small) wedding ceremony. The header photo in this article is actually from my wedding, where we enlisted an Elvis impersonator to take over the entire spotlight.
The Introvert at Work—6 Reasons Introverts Are Workplace Gold
As an introvert, things like interviews, networking, and even the first few months in a new job were painful. I always admired "the new girl" who could command the room from day one, but that's not me. I don't believe my introversion comes from a lack of confidence. I believe my temperament comes from a desire to observe the existing outer world before I ever fold my inner world into it.
Unfortunately, it can seem like introverts are uneasy or anxious (okay, maybe we are) but there's usually so much going on underneath the surface. When I'm quiet, I am usually learning everyone's personality traits, watching facial expressions, and body language, and observing how things work in my new workplace.
As my career progressed, I put my energy directly into my work—above all happy hours and team outings. My energy was better spent on improving my strengths than trying to change who I actually am.
These days, with open offices and remote work, introverted workers are being recognized, but not for their boisterous laughter, their undefeated pinball score, or their lengthy diatribes in company meetings. Instead, introverts are being recognized for what they come to work to do; work.
If you feel you’re struggling as an introvert in your workplace, fret not. Keep your head down, get your work done, and relish your innate strengths. Here are a few ways introverted employees are super awesome.
1. Introverts Get Work Done (So We Can Just Go Home)
Yep, I said it.
I mean no disrespect to those of you who take breaks to play foosball in the middle of the day. Personally, I am terrible at the game, so I have opted out. Often, engineers or coders need a moment to clear their brains and walk away from the screen—hence the ever-present foosball machine in startup culture.
When I worked in an office, I couldn't believe how much time we wasted. I know I sound like such a square here, but all of these midday breaks add up.
I’m not talking about taking a needed break to stretch your legs or recalibrate your brain. In fact, studies have shown that humans are only really productive for about 52 consecutive minutes at a time.
I’m talking more about the five minutes here and 10 minutes there that more social employees will take throughout the day. I'm talking about the unnecessary meetings, the "team bonding" that bonds precisely nobody, and all the time-wasting that happens to fill the arbitrary 40-hour workweek. Those minutes add up—and they're keeping me away from my life outside of work.
Since introverts, by definition, are drained by meaningless small talk, they will probably avoid it to stick to the task at hand. More often, introverted employees will forego a social event or a gathering of coworkers breaking off to chat or get coffee to focus on a project, instead.
2. Introverts Are Problem Solvers
Aside from being generally disinterested in gossip or trivial matters, introverts tend to be thoughtful about what they actually say aloud.
Introverts are not likely to engage in office chatter, amplify rumors, or act rashly. As deep thinkers, taking their time to carefully analyze situations, introverts are difficult to rattle.
Introverts are not likely to engage in office chatter, amplify rumors, or act rashly. As deep thinkers, taking their time to carefully analyze situations, introverts are difficult to rattle.
When faced with an aggressor or a stressful circumstance, an introvert can lend a calm perspective to a situation.
In her book, Introvert Power, Laurie Helgo invites readers to take a look at the "flurry of activity in the frontal cortex" of an introverted person.
In her book, Introvert Power, Laurie Helgo invites readers to take a look at the "flurry of activity in the frontal cortex" of an introverted person.
An introvert’s brain is perfectly geared for problem-solving because this part of the brain controls complex focus, critical thinking, and measured response.
Problem-solving, and I mean real problem-solving, is a huge asset to every workplace. It's the difference between finding a temporary scapegoat to blame and fixing deep problems that keep occurring.
3. Introverts Take Direction Well
Introverts tend to thrive on direction and suggestions from their managers.
So I'm here to argue, that a manager who is leading a group of introverts is likely a happy manager. Why? Introverts, unconcerned about being the next person to speak, are always listening. As such, they take direction well, relish feedback, and often improve quickly as a result.
Another awesome thing about introverts? This works both ways! Introverted leaders also do very well in their positions. Think about the last time you offered your own manager feedback. Did she take it to heart or simply continue doing things her own way?
Introverted leaders, concerned with listening and learning, will consider and implement great ideas from their employees.
4. Introverts Have the Receipts
If you've watched even one Bravo Housewives reunion, you know the value of a good set of receipts.
In remaining focused and diligent, introverts are more unlikely to miss a detail—whether in an email or meeting. Introverts are rarely, if ever, only listening enough to find their own way to interject. As a result, introverts absorb everything that is happening around them, down to the smallest detail.
While extroverts might be speaking loudly and exuberantly, the introvert is soaking it all in, engaged in deep thoughts about all interactions. If they're like me, they might even have their notebook out to catch any dates, names, or important details during a meeting.
5. Introverts Can Work (Really Well) Alone
Since introverts thrive and recharge in solidarity, they make great solo workers. Since they don't require recognition or "spotlight moments", they get down to business without huge ego interruptions.
Projects that require long hours of repetitive or concentrated work are perfect for introverts. Rather than lamenting with other coworkers about “how much work I have to do”, an introvert is more likely to pop on her noise-canceling headphones, queue up her favorite podcast, and get down to business.
This is why introverts make great writers, marketers, artists, data analysts, and engineers.
6. Introverts Make Great Leaders
When you conjure up some of the greatest leaders throughout history, you probably imagine powerful speeches, unbreakable self-confidence, and networking prowess. These are all trademarks of an extrovert, right?
Maybe, but introverts make excellent leaders. Due to their heightened listening skills and accompanying empathy, introverted leaders are the key to successful, engaged, and empowered teams. Without the need for a spotlight or accolades, introverts are more concentrated on strategizing the best ways to work towards a shared goal.
In fact, some of the more famous leaders have described themselves as introverts, including
- Marissa Mayer
- Warren Buffett
- Bill Gates
- Albert (freaking) Einstein
- Guy Kawasaki
In Conclusion—Extroverts are Great, Too
Like any office environment, it is great to have balance. Introverts and extroverts have an incredible amount of skills to learn from each other in terms of working relationships. No company can rely on employing 500 introverts. Who will do the fundraising? Who will speak at events or guest host podcasts?
Great coworkers, great leadership, and great companies know that each person has a unique skill set, with strengths and weaknesses that are crucial to the success of the team—introverts and extroverts, alike.
