Introverts in the Workplace

Introverts in the Workplace

Did you know that approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of the population are introverts? Introverts are everywhere, though it can be hard to find them in a culture that prefers extroversion. In a society where open desks are becoming the norm and teamwork is essential to most jobs, it can be hard for introverts to catch a break!

It’s important to remember that introverts bring their own unique skills to the workplace as well. Here are some common traits in introverts that can add value to the workplace:

1)      Introverts prefer planning over action

Nowadays, employees are expected to work to tight deadlines under a minute’s notice. Extroverts may be able to deal with the high-pressure, but introverts tend to freeze up. This may be seen as a negative trait, but it’s only because introverts prefer more planning time. We like to have the space to look through the whole problem so we can mull over it and create comprehensive plans. Sometimes our plans fall through and we need to work under pressure, but this isn’t always the case. Introverts tend to be more detail oriented, so if you give them the time to mull over an issue, you’ll be surprised by the ideas that come from this. Having a proper plan can save a lot of time later on.

2)      Introverts prefer socialising in smaller groups

Introverts get a bad rep for being anti-social or awkward, but this is just a perception issue. Introversion has nothing to do with social skills- introversion is all about how we gain energy. Extroverts gain energy from being around big groups, and introverts gain energy by being around small groups or alone. Workplaces place a premium on building connections, and people often take this to mean they need to build as big a network as possible. This is evident from the way we meet new people or socialise – via large networking events with lots of strangers, or bonding with people over drinks. 

Introverts have a disadvantage if you want to build a large, shallow network- we simply can’t deal with too many people. We do have an advantage with building a smaller, deeper network. Introverts prefer socialising in smaller groups, and we like building deep connections with others. The purpose of networking is to meet people who you can help, and who can help you in return. Having shallow connections will result in small favours, but having deep connections will result in large favours. People won’t go out of their way to help you if they’ve met you a few times at drinks after work, but they will go out of their way if you’ve built a relationship with them over the years. In the workplace, introverts can feel a lot of pressure to casually socialise with everyone, but ultimately we have our own way of building relationships which is equally important.

3)      Introverts prefer working by themselves

In a team-oriented culture, this can be seen as a negative trait. Working autonomously has connotations of not being a ‘team player’. However, there are definite benefits to working alone. Introverts are able to focus by ourselves- and from this focus, we get our best results. How many times at work have you had endless meetings, ending nowhere? How many times have you had to work with a team, but haven’t been able to start? All of these issues are eliminated when you allow introverts to work on their own. We are able to achieve incredible focus, which allows us to finish our work more quickly. 

Conclusion

There are a lot of benefits that introverts bring to the workplace. All these traits can be viewed as negative when compared to extroverts, but it’s important for everyone to expand their perspective and give introverts and extroverts the ability to work in the best environments for us.