Time to read: 1.46 minutes
This is my actual fridge
Last week, I shared some context about Introverts and Extroverts, recommended Susan Cain's book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking, and shared her concept of the Extrovert Ideal.
Before I dive into detail on Introverts and Extroverts, a caveat: Each person is unique. Each person has traits from both and will show up differently in different situations. For the sake of clarity, I am generalizing.
And now…the wonderful Introvert!
Here's the thing: The power of introverts is profound. My daughter will go into her room - ALONE - and come out an hour later with a concept for an essay, which she created BY HERSELF! To this mom who needs an entire committee to vet an idea, her process feels like a miracle.
I know corporate vice presidents who sit quietly for an entire meeting and then pop out with the three most important sentences spoken all day.
Many introverts carry a quiet magic. People are drawn to them. They garner trust.
Introverts are powerful if organizations and families can give them space to work their magic.
In organizations and families, introverts get crushed. The extroverts move quickly and expect everyone to move at the same speed. (Remember the Extrovert Ideal?)
Here are some of the superpowers of introverts:
- Observant
- Synthesize a lot of information
- Thoughtful
- Considered
- Cautious
Introverts don't waste words. They need space and time to think and recharge. Many introverts process slowly and honestly as a result, come up with more considered responses than the fast-thinking extroverts. (Remember, I'm uniquely qualified to make this statement.)
Take a look at the photo above. The info about how to care for Introverts is spot on.
If you are an introvert, be transparent. Let people know you need time to think. Tell people you will process their questions and get back to them. Then, actually get back to them. When you set expectations around your needs and then deliver, you build trust and create an environment for your success.
If you are an extrovert, shut your mouth. Breathe. Pause. Stop interrupting. Let the introverts in your life finish their thoughts, even if it feels excruciating to you. (And oh my, it is so excruciating to wait…which is my problem, not the introvert's.)
Please reach out with questions, observations, or challenges. I plan to write about this for a few more weeks and would love to include your specific questions.
Next week, I'll talk about the power of Extroverts.
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