Introverts at Work
June 6, 2008
There’s introverts at work… a lot of them. I really have no idea how to relate to these people because they are so quiet all the time. What gives, they seem so slow and uninterested in talking to people. Why are they like this? - Joe in Dallas, TX
Introverts at work eh? Well, consider yourself in good company Joe. I myself am an introvert and believe it or not, being quiet and slow to speak is not a sign weakness nor stupidity. People who are like this are at the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to having an expressive personality. In no way shape or form does it suggest that these people are inferior to those who are much more extroverted and make it a point to be social butterflies, twirling around, making every personal connection they can.
A lot of people view introvert characteristics as being slow, unproductive, lacking ability, highly antisocial, shy and over all not interested in being team players. Wonderful stereotypes aren’t they? On top of this people say that introverts think too much, should be more reactive and anything they do should be done quick, quick, quick!!! I look at these people like they are from another planet when they say things like this.
Anyways, rather than assume that the stereotypes are true, let’s go ahead and examine the positive traits of an introvert personality instead. Introverts make for excellent strategizers and writers along with being able to listen well. When it comes down to needing someone that is patient, persistent, focused and methodical to take charge of a large project, look no further than your workplace introvert.
I tend to take lunches by myself, not because I want to be some crazy “loner” but because I simply need time to relax and gather my thoughts for the rest of the day. Being surrounded by a large group of people bantering back and forth can make me a bit edgy. But the time alone helps me to find creative and interesting ways around a problem while focusing on the smallest details to make sure the solution all comes together as planned.
When an introvert appears as being passive or inattentive, its not because they are spacing out or don’t genuinely care about what is happening. Its difficult to understand this do to the blank stare people may see, but in fact, what is going on inside the introverts mind is every conceivable permutation of the problem and simultaneously the best approach to solving it. Sometimes the most people will get out of me during a meeting is a stare and a grunt that I acknowledge what they are saying.
As much as the extrovert is displaying on the outside with their behavior, the same is going on inside the mind of the introvert, they just don’t show it, and this can make people very uncomfortable. So how do you get along with your wonderful introverts at work? Simply let them be, definitely do not try to push your perspective of how you see the world onto them, as it will do nothing more than make them resent you with a vengeance that will follow you like a plague.
Understanding this difference between the opposite personalities will vastly improve your relations with them almost instantly.