Despite advances in technology that promised otherwise, it’s almost impossible to get through a day without having to interact with another human being. For some, these daily connections serve as an energy boost; a time to feel fully alive. However, to the introverts among us, these times can be trying, to say the least.
It’s not that introverts don’t like people. We do. It’s just that we recharge when we are alone, and often times, the world just isn’t set up for our needs. You know when you travel to Europe and all of the outlets have plugs that don’t fit your devices? That’s kind of what it’s like to be an introvert in modern society.
Yet, with all of the favoritism that extroverts enjoy, there is a growing awareness of how powerful introverts really are. Here are five amazing facts about introverted folks:
We Are In The Midst Of A Revolution
Thanks, in large part, to Susan Cain and the popularity of her book, “Quiet: The Power Of Introverts In A World That Can’t Stop Talking,” (also summarized in her TED talk), introverts are having their moment in the sun. Cain’s website also provides a space for introverts and extroverts alike to share experiences and gain understanding of the way that introverts think. This helps us remember that we are all on a spectrum of introversion/extroversion and that people from both sides of the aisle can have experiences from either side.
Introverts Make Amazing Friends
Since we are so good at listening, and keeping things to ourselves, introverts make awesome friends. We are able to let you talk, without interrupting, and actually hear what you are saying. We can even remember details of what you said, a few days or weeks later, when even you might have forgotten. Basically, we are elephants.
Introverts Make Great Leaders
Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Eleanor Roosevelt, and former President Barack Obama are all examples of this phenomenon. While we often associate leadership with traits that are more consistent with extraversion, introverts have the added capacity to put themselves in their followers shoes, which may explain why certain employees perform better with introverted bosses. In addition, introverts are more likely to think before they speak, which, ahem, certain world leaders could certainly benefit from trying.
Introverts Make Great Inventions
Take a look at this list comprised by the Huffington Post to set your gaze on 16 super-successful introverts. Then realize that “Harry Potter,” would not exist if it weren’t for one of us! Oh yeah, and there would be no theory of relativity either.
The World Needs Introverts
As Stephen Hawking said, “Quiet people have the loudest minds.” In a world where so much attention is put upon who can be the loudest and proudest, we desperately need introverts for balance.
P.S. We mean no harm to our extraverted friends! The world needs you too! (Chances are, you already knew that.)
If you would like to talk more about being an introvert in an extroverted world, contact us. We are here to help!