Happy National Introverts’ Week (celebrated during the third full week of March)!
Between ⅓ to ½ of all people in the U.S. are introverts. Contrary to popular belief, introverts aren’t necessarily shy. Some introverts are shy, but not all of us; I call myself a “high-functioning introvert.” 😊 We aren’t by definition socially awkward (but some are).
So if they’re not shy, what are some basic tendencies of introverts? Here are some broad generalizations:
- We are problem-solvers and creative people who can generate ideas.
- If you work with an introvert, have you ever noticed this behavior in meetings? We tend to listen more and speak less.
- We prefer to focus on one or two projects at a time – any more and we start to feel overwhelmed.
- And related, introverts prefer depth rather than breadth (“richness” rather than “muchness,” to quote Marti Olsen Laney)
- Introverts are energized by the “inner world” – the world of ideas and impressions. Contrast that to extroverts, who are more energized by the “external world” – the world of people and activities outside themselves.
If you want to learn more about introverts, check out these resources:
- Susan Cain: The power of introverts | TED Talk
- Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
- The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney.
National Introverts Week was founded by Matthew Pollard, author of The Introvert’s Edge.
You can learn more about the holiday here.