In today’s world, being an extravert seems to be the prerequisite for being successful. Our culture is constantly emphasizing the importance of networking, being good with people, and engaging constantly with the outside world. The qualities we encourage in our children mimic these values: we admire the outspoken and boisterous leader over the quiet and reflective group member.
Despite our admiration for these qualities typically associated with being an extrovert, almost 50% of people may be introverted. In fact, out of many of the CEOs and leaders in the world, more than 40% report being introverted. Ultimately, introversion is a matter of where people get their energy: “Introverts generate energy through reflection and quiet time, while an extraverts’ energy is increased by spending time in busy, stimulating places often with lots of people around.” (Marti Olsen Laney).
While we continue to be enamored of the extroverts surrounding us, here are just some of the ways in which many introverts are secretly getting ahead when we aren’t looking:
1. Introverts can process things at a deeper level
While an extrovert may be quick to respond to a situation, an introvert tends to be quick to think. Processing a situation at a deeper level allows a person to develop complex, subtle ideas and to respond meaningfully rather than reacting immediately. For example, Tazeen Ahmad, a long-time broadcaster and award-winning journalism, has attested to how introversion has helped her with such deep-thinking and continues to be a proponent for rebranding introversion as a superpower.
2. They are more observant of the situation around them
By being more in tune with how they are feeling and having time alone, introverts are more sensitive to the world around them. They do not feel the urge to react immediately to every situation and can instead take the moment to observe how people are feeling around them before deciding how to proceed.
3. They listen
Whether in the workplace or with ordinary relationships, listening is an incredible art. While extraverts have a natural tendency to want to contribute to a conversation, introverts tend to listen and absorb what the other person is truly saying. This allows the individual to ask the right questions and know when to stop talking.
4. Introverts are not afraid of solitude
Being alone. It’s the hidden truth behind any successful career, relationship or life. No matter how busy we are or how close we are with the people around us, we all will face moments when we have to work alone or make a personal decision by ourselves. This ability to not cringe from isolation and being alone gives introverts an opportunity to truly focus and get in touch with their ideas.
5. They are creative
As Susan Cain, the co-author of Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts, describes, "Introverts tend to be deep thinkers, careful and strategic planners, and loyal colleagues. Studies have also shown that many of the most creative people (across a broad variety of fields, from business to art to science) are introverted enough to tolerate large chunks of solitude, which is a key ingredient of creativity." By not being afraid to take some time alone and in solitude, introverts can have more access to some of their most creative ideas.
6. Introverts are better at handling ambiguity
Researchers have found that introverts tend to have more gray matter volume in different areas of the brain, including areas associated with abstract thought and decision-making. In part, this could explain an introvert’s tendency to thoroughly think through and make prudent decisions. This can be especially useful in companies and positions of power, when decisions on resources need to be made every day.
7. They can develop a presence
The more you talk, the less meaning each word carries. However, the less you’re known for talking, when you speak up, the more power each word has. Despite their perception of shyness, introverts can take their often-quiet nature and use it as a way of developing a presence, allowing their sentences to carry more weight than those around them who may talk more often.
8. Introverts tend to be more humble
While an introvert may struggle with excessive self-promotion, they can leverage their tendency towards humility. For example, studies showed that introverts were more likely to use concrete language when describing a situation. This reluctance to use too much personal interpretation can contribute to having more intellectual humility regarding one’s own abilities and achievements. This also enables a person to be more open to other’s ideas and take criticism constructively.
9. They know how to pause
Especially with the everyday chaos so characteristic of today’s world, being able to relax, to take a step back and to pause is so essential. One of the benefits of introversion is the tendency to look for solitude, enabling the person to make time to spend alone and to find time during the day to just pause.
10. They are often perseverant with thinking
As well-known introvert Albert Einstein has often mentioned, “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s that I stay with problems longer.” The very criticism that introverts get for “living inside their heads” can be an asset when it comes to tackling complex problems. Being comfortable within one’s head helps the person also be more perseverant in thinking through and finding solutions that may be hard to uncover initially.
11. They are more resilient
The ability to be quieter and rely more on your inner self helps to develop an independent resilience. It creates a sense of self-confidence where you know that no matter how up and down life is going to be, you can always turn within and find your home.
12. Introverts make avid readers
When your main source of energy is not from other people, books can often become a close companion. The habit of reading and diving into different galaxies, thought processes, and world views can enable a person in many ways. It can help make a person more open to ideas, more flexible, and ultimately more creative when trying to come up with solutions to problems.
13. They bring a different perspective
Especially in a world centered around the qualities of extraverst, introverts can bring a different perspective (and even different brain chemistry) to the table. In work, their ability to process information differently can allow the company to make more informed decisions. Even in social circles, having a balance between the personality types allows for both types to thrive by better understanding each other and themselves.
14. Introverts focus more on good content
While our society may be enamored of charismatic speeches, introverts tend to be more focused on good content. As Susan Cain, founder of Quiet Revolution, describes, introverts share a love of learning. Since they are more intrinsically motivated, they tend to seek out content rather than trying to live up to an external metric for achievement.
15. They are more objective
Introverts who take time for themselves and rely on their inner guidance are often better able to view things from a variety of perspectives. The ability to listen, pause and reflect ultimately allow a person to enter a situation with a more objective lens.
16. They make close friends
Since they don’t often feel pressed to be overly social or have thousands of friends, introverts tend to have closer relationships with a smaller net of friends. This allows them to make more meaningful connections.
17. Introverts make strong leaders
Susan Cain also mentions how introverts may not seek out leadership positions for the sake of being in-charge, but rather “they tend to get very passionate about their work, and in the service of that passion, they acquire expertise, build networks, inspire trust - and become strong leaders."
