These 12 traits make introverts excel at worktips for introverts
Many professionals are introverts at work (at least 1 in 3 people). Introverts are like beautiful icebergs. On the outside, you see only a little of them. Most (and perhaps the best) is well hidden under the surface. In addition, they do not stand out for their talents and what they can contribute in the workplace.
This attitude sometimes gets in their way a bit. They are told to “show yourself a little more.” Let that be the no-go zone of introverts …
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What is being introverted?
Introvert is a term for persons who are turned inward. Introverts are not necessarily shy, it just takes them more energy to present themselves in unfamiliar company. The energy is inward, they might be more the thinkers than the doers. This makes introverts generally calmer than extroverts. The terms extrovert and introvert were introduced by psychologist Carl Jung.
There are 12 traits that almost all introverts have within them that contribute significantly to the team and the organization. Think of this article as a plea for (the sometimes) invisible talent of the introverted professional.
1. They speak when they have been thinking
Extroverts have trouble waiting their turn. They want to bring something up immediately and will interrupt you if possible. Introverts take their time before saying anything. They think quietly in their heads and consider the options they have to make a meaningful contribution.
Their contribution is often ‘spot-on’
So as a colleague, you need to realize that introverts do not think out loud simply because they do not yet know what they are thinking. So the trick is to give introverts space after a while. Or better; invite them to make their contribution. Their contribution is often “spot-on.”
2. They interrupt endless cooing.
Introverts find it a terrible task to talk endlessly about “small talk.” And especially if their interlocutor has an over-enthusiastic personality. This will take any introverted professional out of her or his element.
They like depth more
They get bored or tired of it, and at best they keep up appearances. Introverts like deep, perhaps philosophical conversations more. These are the conversations that will get to the heart of the matter as a result.
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3. They do not necessarily need a stage to excel
Introverts really have nothing with popularity. It’s not “their thing.” They try their hardest, let the results speak for themselves, but don’t like to be the center of attention. This is in contrast to what extroverts like.
Sometimes introverts are passed over for positions such as manager or project leader because of this. This while, once elected, they will be managers who operate very professionally and thoughtfully with an eye for everyone.
4. Introverts are brooding chickens with results
Indeed, introverts enjoy being by themselves. Of course, that doesn’t make them any less social. They enjoy incubating new ideas and implementing plans to make the project a success. They are fine with you participating, thinking or collaborating as long as you don’t do so in an overly loud or intrusive way.
5. Introverted leaders listen to their people
One of the reasons introverts are so great at leadership is that they are delighted when they can listen. They do this simultaneously to all levels of the organization. For introverted executives, it is sort of 2nd nature to listen to new ideas and value those ideas.
Finally, you will rarely experience introverted executives who treat their employees condescendingly
6. Introverts evoke less resistance from others
Research shows that extroverts feel more positive emotions than introverts because they move easily and more easily in networks. (They are more trained).
However, it turns out that extroverts are not as good at conveying that positive feeling to others. Extroverts evoke more resistance in working relationships than introverts do.
7. They can network when needed
Many introverted professionals are friendly and sociable and certainly not shy. They are fine with networking and establishing relationships. They do so in their own way. To understand this better, in this context, you need to know what introversion actually means.
S. Cain (researcher): ‘shyness is about the fear of social rejection. This is completely different from introversion. Introversion is more about how you respond to external social stimulus.’
So there is such a thing as a shy extroverted personality. These types of people, for example, find it difficult to meet new people but go completely wild at a DJ Hardwell concert. Similarly, there are non-shy introverts who easily join in a conversation. After that conversation, they like to withdraw and reflect on what they have heard.’
8. They are certainly not silent when it comes to their passion
It is actually a huge stereotype to declare, with any real confidence, that extroverted professionals are charismatic and not shy about a word and that introverts “don’t dare say anything“.
The truth is different; introverts will not speak until they have something important to say or because they are downright passionate about something that fascinates them.
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By the way, did you know that more than half of professional speakers are introverts by nature? Think teachers or artists, for example. They are successful as speakers in their profession but do not like useless chatter.
9. Sorry, I don’t rush to judgement
The core of any introverted professionals is in such behaviors as being good observers, reflective and cautious. They are not so into the trial and error method. Instead, they will take a (thinking) pause. You might consider this behavior to a pause as doubt.
The pause is actually used to study and analyze issues carefully. This allows decisions to be made that are best for the long term.
10. They don’t get bored easily
Introverts have the fine ability to concentrate excellently on 1 activity. They are not easily distracted and can go on for a long time. They like to solve the issue or problem in a quiet environment.
11. Please do not disturb unnecessarily.
When introverted professionals are at work, they prefer not to be interrupted in the work they are doing. This keeps them focused on the subject at hand.
So introverts are very good at “being in the moment” (mindfulness) with the full attention the subject deserves. They are also good at maintaining that. For example, they will not respond to every call from their smartphone ….
12. For an introvert an agreement is an agreement
Most introverted professionals need little supervision. By nature, they are already fairly the director of their own appointments and work. They tend to be analytical and can plan ahead well.
As long as the goal and deadline are clear, they accelerate and have little need for micro-management from their manager. You get the most out of an introverted professional by making expectations clear and then giving space, lots of space.
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Finally, a secret: excellent performance is in their genes
The final, important point in this article is a call to the colleagues and supervisor of an introverted professional. If you want to be collegial, you now know that your introverted colleague finds it important to think and analyze things in their inner world. Also that they prefer a deep working relationship to a superficial one.
You will have to invite them (in larger groups) to contribute their content because they are not likely to take the stage themselves. If you invest in this as a colleague, you will get an awful lot of content in return.
For introverts, it’s in their genes to do more than excel and thus be that solid rock you can rely on. By focusing on that, you boost your introvert colleague’s’ self-confidence.
Free discovery call
Lacking assertiveness or selfconfidence?
Does it inhibit you at work and want to get rid of that? That's possible with our 40 days individual coaching program. Lets meet, see if we have a 'click' and if I can help you.