Introverts possess a variety of skills that can make them good business leaders, particularly in businesses that value innovation and entrepreneurship. We've already mentioned critical thinking and listening skills. Introverts also tend to excel at written communication, outside-the-box-thinking and problem solving.
Introverts think deeply about goals and challenges
This high level of focus is also usually applied to key areas of an introvert's life. An introverted leader will often ponder on goals and challenges for a long time and thoroughly flush out their position, before presenting these ideas to a group.
Introverts are Natural Observers.
And with good reason too. It allows them to pay attention to not only what's been said, but also the environment it's said in. Introverts will pay close attention to exactly what you're saying and will listen patiently until you've exhausted every last thought that needed to be said.
Because they're quiet by nature, introverts are “natural-born listeners,” writes Kahnweiler. They tend to carefully take in all information and opinions, and only after digesting it, offer a thoughtful answer.
So, introverts are not simply timid individuals who do not possess social skills. In fact, many successful public figures will admit that they are more introverted than extroverted. Introverts can develop and exude strong personalities and publicly exhibit their distinctive characteristics without fear.
Weaknesses: social anxiety, shyness, navigating a predominantly extroverted world.
On average, introverts and extroverts are the same in terms of intelligence. But statistics show that around 70% of gifted people are introverts. People are considered “gifted” when they exhibit above-average intelligence or a superior talent for something, such as music, art or math.
Because introverts tend to think before speaking or acting, they are less prone to impulsive behavior and the kinds of accidents that can result. A focus on internal rather than external cues may curtail overeating. 5 And being tuned in to the need to recharge, introverts tend to get more sleep than extroverts.
The main thing to understand is that introverts use their energy differently — and socializing easily drains it. Some introverts may be extremely personable at the beginning of an event but need to call it a night sooner than those around them.
A 2018 study found that introverts tend to make more accurate observations about human behavior than extroverts. They are better at "reading" people and understanding them better. This is likely because they spend more time observing than interacting, which can make them very insightful.
Are you born introverted or is it something you become over time? Introverts likely develop due to a combination of both nature and nurture. The way that your body's physiology responds to the outside environment plays a critical role in determining your level of extroversion and introversion.
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.
The brains of introverts look and react differently than the brains of extroverts. The key differences: The prefrontal cortex. Introverts have a thicker prefrontal cortex than extroverts, which means they have more tissue in the area of the brain associated with deep thought and decision-making.
Quiet people have power because they are willing to spend more time and energy on self-reflection, which helps to know oneself, practice self, stimulate potential, and improve self-personality.
Introverts are particularly great at observing the world around them. When they go places, they're constantly observing their surroundings and the people they're with. Because of this, they often notice things other people would miss.
Introverts are empathetic and practice active listening. When they talk to someone, they give their full attention and listen intently to what the other person is saying. They have the ability to read people and easily understand their true thoughts and emotions.
Introverts tend to draw energy from going inwards and being on our own whereas as extroverts tend to draw energy from things that are external to their mind. That is why overly stimulating environments can be energy draining for introverts, leaving us feeling tired, lacking in energy and even stressed.
That is why overstimulating environments can be energy draining for us introverts, leaving us lacking in energy. When you feel like this, you may find that you want to go somewhere quiet to replenish and recharge. You may be feeling quite positive so may not associate it as being drained from overstimulation.
There's a tendency towards introversion at the highest levels of IQ (National Merit Finalist samples, samples of profoundly gifted students...), but, in the general population, there isn't much of a relationship between extraversion/introversion and IQ.
They speak less and listen more, which gets people interested in them. What makes introverts attractive is their ability to observe beyond the words people speak. They pay close attention to details and are extremely prudent.
Unlike extroverts who may be dominating the conversation or acting the social butterfly, introverts are settled, receptive and easy to approach—especially by other introverts. It may take some time for them to warm up to new people, but once they like and trust someone, the social switch often turns on.
Introverts prefer quiet, minimally stimulating environments, while extroverts need higher levels of stimulation to feel their best. Stimulation comes in all forms – social stimulation, but also lights, noise, and so on.
Introverts enjoy spending time in nature as it makes them feel more grounded and at peace. Being surrounded by the smell of rain feels like a piece of nature is with them inside the comfort of their own home. This sense of being grounded is important, as many superficial conversations can remove this feeling for them.
Around one-third to one-half of all people in the U.S. are introverts. Though it looks different in everyone, introverts have many of the same patterns of behavior. In general, introverts: Need quiet to concentrate.
As introverts are thinking, they reach back into long-term memory to locate information. An introvert will often compare old and new experiences when making a decision, which slows the processing down but leads to carefully thought-out decisions.