Many introverts feel drained from too much social interaction. If this is you, prioritize alone time in your work schedule wherever possible. This could be an hour or two blocked off in your work calendar each day where you focus on deep work, without calls or colleagues distracting or talking to you.
We live in a culture that equates leadership and ambition with extroversion and being present. That can be difficult for introverts, who may excel at work but struggle with office politics, long hours of being “on,” and overstimulation from noise, light and people in our personal space.
Introvert behaviors in the workplace
In the workplace, introverts may be required to interact with others more than they would normally choose to. While more extroverted employees may spend breaks, lunch hours and time after work together, introverts prefer to spend their free time alone recharging their energy.
Being asked to speak during a meeting, a surprise party or trip, or unexpectedly running into an acquaintance at the store can feel overwhelming to an introvert. Introverts may also experience more stress when they don't have time to decompress or recharge themselves with some alone time.
Perhaps the toughest part of being an introvert is not so much talking about yourself, but rather wishing you were better at talking about yourself.
Because independence is one of their strengths, introverts may struggle to participate and thrive in a more collaborative group setting. In an office, there is sometimes an unspoken expectation to socialize with other team members; this leads to introverts being often perceived as antisocial and rude or dismissive.
Introverts tend to do their best thinking and concentrating solo. They thrive in being alone. This is great when your work setting is in an office or a cubicle. “This also may make it easier to work from home because introverts do not crave social interaction,” says Licensed Professional Counselor, Erica Wiles.
Not Understanding Their Needs. Introverts get annoyed when people don't understand their need for alone time. Even worse is when someone they love takes their need for alone time personally. For example, an extrovert may assume their introverted loved one doesn't want to spend time together because they need alone time ...
Introverts draw their energy from their internal world of thoughts and emotions. This is why, unlike extroverts, introverts can be easily overstimulated by the external world. Social experiences can leave them feeling drained. A less stimulating environment, such as home, help introverts restore their energy.
Introverts in distress won't always choose solitude, but if their emotional discomfort is caused by anger, they may seek to isolate themselves from everyone else in the house or building. Angry Introverts are in a sensitive state, and they can easily become overstimulated by too much social contact.
Introverts are looked down upon for lack of good 'communication skills'. Right from an early age, introverts have to compete very hard with peers, who seem to have no problem in public or interpersonal speaking. What seems to be effortless for peers is actually the most difficult task for an introverted child.
Burnout is typically caused by excessive and prolonged stress, and can occur in anyone — whether they are introverted or extroverted.
In social situations, they will strive to protect you.
Introverts are considerate individuals who care about the comfort of others, especially in social situations. They often introduce themselves to others before introducing them to you, in order to assess how much time or energy it would take to get to know them.
Introverts are loyal and devoted friends.
People are attracted to loyal and devoted people. While introverts may not always realize it, this is a trait most people find attractive in them. Their loyalty isn't just attractive to the recipients of that devotion, but to anyone who observes them.
Introverts enjoy activities they can do alone or with just a few others. So, it's not surprising that so many introverted, gifted children love to read. They also tend to prefer activities that allow for creative expression, like creative writing, music, and art.
Social interaction can fuel some people, especially extroverts. To introverts, the same level of social interaction can be draining instead. While introverts can appreciate socializing, they invest a lot of energy trying to navigate socially demanding environments, leading to social exhaustion.
Introverts gain energy from quiet reflection and isolation. Both personality types can be equally creative, passionate and articulate leaders. So, don't overlook the quiet ones in the corner. They may harbor just the leadership qualities your company needs to succeed.
For an introvert, maintaining a friendship is like exercising. It never quite loses that feeling of “work,” but as long as one doesn't put it off too long, it doesn't have to be a chore, either. And just like a good exercise regimen, maintaining a friendship doesn't have to consume your life.
An introvert is a person with qualities of a personality type known as introversion, which means that they feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas, rather than what's happening externally. They enjoy spending time with just one or two people, rather than large groups or crowds.
Extreme introverts are far quieter than typical introverts. People often mistake the trait for shyness. Their quiet demeanor is usually motivated by the need to carefully take in and process what others are saying and doing around them.
1. INTP. The winner of the most introverted personality type goes to INTPs. These analytical thinkers are often deep in thought and prefer to explore complex problems independently.