Shining a Light on Introverts: 4 Things You May Not Know

By Bonnie Low-Kramen | January 13, 2021

Definition
Introvert: A reserved or shy person who enjoys spending time alone

In your day-to-day work life, you will likely encounter two types of people: the extroverted and the introverted. It can be easy to assume you know all there is to know about extroverts and introverts. Extroverts are more outgoing and louder than introverts, and so on. What you might not realize is that introverts are essential to your team’s success. They may choose to not take center stage, but they could be your organization’s brightest stars.

Check out these four things you may have glanced over about those essential introverts. Acknowledging these seemingly small details will help you better communicate and empathize with your team.

1.   Social Situations Cause Stress for Introverts

While social situations are doable for an introvert, they often require more energy than for an outgoing person. Being around a group of people for an extended period of time can be exhausting. This can lead to increased anxiety, discomfort, or an overall lack of energy. Encourage your team to use a breathing app to help handle those stressful situations.

By understanding and accommodating the solitary needs of your introverted team members, you might be fueling your most productive assets.

2.   Recharging is Essential for Introverts

The pandemic forced a sudden work from home policy. Most introverts love working from home alone. Some shared that they “have been training for this their whole life.” While some people are energized just by being around others, introverts obtain their energy from time spent alone. Luckily, there are effective ways technology can help. There are now apps that can simultaneously help recharge that social battery as well as connect to the larger team. Some teams are gathering socially on Zoom and leaders give them the option to use an on-demand app to have their favorite snacks delivered to their home for these occasions. Everyone appreciates the consideration and thoughtfulness about getting to choose their food.

In addition, smart business leaders are sensitive to the frequency of these social gatherings and the demands to have the webcam on. The pressure to be on camera for many hours each day is a struggle for introverts. By recharging themselves in their own space, introverts are able to work with their natural focused and drive, making them a reliable employee for any team.

3.   Introverts are Proven Successful Leaders

Because introverts are often social observers, they tend to think more before they act or speak, allowing them to provide great insights as a result. This is partly why introverts are known to be amazing leaders, thinkers, listeners and innovators. Albert Einstein, J.K. Rowling, and Bill Gates are only a few examples of successful introverts.

The next time one of your introverted team members has something to add, listen hard. They most likely won’t speak up loudly or fast, but it just may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Remember that saying about keeping your eye on the “quiet ones.”

4.   Genetics Plays a Role with Introversion

Introverts are often encouraged to “get out more” or make more of an effort to be more sociable. What many might not realize is that being an introvert is not so much a choice as it is a genetic predisposition, and more specifically, the degree to which you are intro or extroverted comes from your genetics.

Introversion usually starts at a young age and is incepted by a number of factors: environment, brain chemistry, and genetics. Encouraging an introvert to “be more sociable” could have adverse effects.

Keep these four factors in mind when communicating with your team members. Every team needs both introverts and extroverts. Know their strengths and preferences and assign tasks according to their dispositions for optimal results.

I am Bonnie Low-Kramen, TEDx speaker, author of “Be the Ultimate Assistant” and trainer of Executive Assistants all over the world. In May, 2019, I was featured in a Forbes online cover story. As part of the research for my second book about the workplace to be published in 2022, I have had over 1,000 conversations with assistants, leaders, HR professionals, recruiters, and business school professors. I have worked in 14 countries and 38 states and would love to work with you towards building your ultimate workplace. Click here to set up a time to speak with me about your training needs which can be delivered virtually or in person.