In honor of World Introvert Day, let’s take a look at the characteristics of introverts and why an introvert can lead.
Introverts Are A Silent Majority
If you are an introvert, you may feel you are outnumbered by your louder, more talkative counterparts. But according to Positive Psychology, the Myers-Briggs organization found that:
Introverts make up 50.7% of the United States general population and extroverts make up 49.3%.
And within this sample, 54.1% of men and 47.5% of women were introverted. (Myers, McCaulley, Quenk, & Hammer (1998))
Introverts and Extroverts
It’s important to review the characteristics of introverts and extroverts. These are general tendencies. So what you may be thinking is… it depends on the situation. Sometimes, in certain situations, you may find that you show some extroverted characteristics or vice versa. This is normal. In fact, ambiverts can be comfortable using characteristics from either type.
There is no “good” or “better” type.
Here’s a quick overview:
INTROVERTS
- Recharge by spending time alone
- Reflect before making decisions
- Listen more
- Enjoy one-on-one conversations
- Introspective
- Self-aware
- Learn through observation
- More sociable with people they know
EXTROVERTS
- Recharge by socializing
- Make decisions quickly
- Speak more
- Outgoing
- Easily distracted
- Action-oriented
- Gregarious and expressive
- Excellent communicators
- Enjoy being the center of attention
Being An Introvert and Being A Leader
It is possible for introverts to be leaders. However…
Only 39% of top leadership roles in the US are filled by introverts, despite the fact that about 56.8% of workers are introverts.
(The Myers-Briggs Company)
Introverts can make very strong leaders due to their characteristics. But unfortunately, some cultures tend not to value those qualities in leaders as much.
What if there were more leaders who were self-aware, carefully weighed decisions and were strong listeners?
Tips To Help Elevate Introverts
These are three steps organizations and leaders can take to empower introverted team members:
- Introverts want and need time to prepare for meetings. Sending out detailed agendas ahead of time with clear expectations helps
- Allow for breaks in discussion to give introverted team members an opportunity to contribute
- Utilize a range of communication formats including presentations, meetings, and written communications
World Introvert Day 2020 [Infographic]
The Myers-Briggs Company created this infographic to highlight the strengths of introverts for World Introvert Day 2020
World-Introvert-Day-Infographic-2020Introverts and Job Search
If you are an introvert and searching for a new job, learn about the strengths and weaknesses of your type and what you can do to make the most of being an introverted job seeker. Read Introverts Tap Into Your Strengths During Job Search
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
