I agree this would be a great read for managers as well. It’s very easy for someone to write off an introvert as uninterested or indifferent when they’re quiet in meetings when actually, they’re just taking it all in, thinking, and formulating responses and ideas.

It makes me so happy that this post spoke to fellow introverts. It was a tough one to write. We don’t exactly go around telling everyone we’re introverts, right? :-) Thanks again!

I just finished reading “Quiet…” last week and I’ve been recommending it to all my fellow introverts. It certainly helped me understand why I am the way I am (I had never really studied introversion, I’d just written myself off as a socially awkward hermit :)), and how to use it to my advantage. I do think this book should be required reading for managers, too.

I recommend you read the book I quoted here: “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.” It talks about how introverts take on some extroverted qualities when necessary in order to navigate their environment, or get through certain situations like company meetings/events, conferences, etc. It’s very common, really. If nothing else, it’s interesting to read something, be able to see yourself in it, and feel less alone or less weird. :-)

I’m currently a part-time educator as well as doing marketing in the voluntary sector so I’m very much out there. Indeed in June I’ll be not only teaching 3 days a week on supply to students I’ve never met before, but I’ll also be attending two conferences and running a social media workshop at a charity training day. Throngs of hundreds and thousands of people to navigate – I’m definitely going to need to sleep away the whole of July! (Oh, if only – I’m a mum too).

It’s great to see a company who openly values and seeks to understand the introvert and what they can bring. It’s seemingly all too rare. Another good article on introversion by an Outspoken writer – I have to wonder though, how many people do you think fake extroversion to fit in with expectation – especially in the marketing profession?

I think doing a personality test is a good idea for everyone. I actually just did one a few months ago, and found it gave me great insight into why I do and think and feel a lot of the things I do. What I need to get better at doing is advocating for my needs at work, especially when I too am surrounded by extroverts. I recently moved from an open studio area with lots of noise and distraction to my own office. I had no idea until then that I was so stressed out by all of the inputs until they were gone. I’m finding I’m much more productive, and I can still participate when I want.

My boyfriend just had his employees do it too, so he can learn better ways to mange them that works for them.

Have you checked out Susan Cain’s TED presentation ‘Power of Introverts’?? Just came across it a couple of weeks ago and it’s well worth watching.

Cheers!