The Power of Introverts

Early on in my consulting career, I worked with a project manager who kicked off a team meeting by saying: “I’m an introvert. What that means is I am a great listener, a sponge. I will take in whatever is going on, and I will step away and process it to come back with my suggestions. If I am quiet or not reacting right away, please know that I am thinking deeply about whatever you are telling me, and it will lead to a better answer.”
She was unapologetic about her working style and positioned it as a strength, much in the way author Susan Cain celebrates the power of introverts in her book Quiet. My project manager framed her narrative on her own terms so that we could tap into the best of her.

I am an extrovert who feeds off the energy of others and is exuberant on most occasions, so it was important that she helped me see the value in a different way of working and not misinterpret her actions. To this day, because of her, I work well with introverts because I see their power. I talk a lot in meetings, but I rarely put an introvert on the spot. The introvert in the room will come back to me a few days later having reflected on everything I said, shaped the ideas, and made them even better, because they often think and process best on their own terms and not in the moment.

What can we take away from this?

1. Confidence is a plural, not a singular construct. We need to make room for more types of confidence beyond the loudest-voice-in-the-room style. 

2. You bring so much to the table! Take a moment and reflect on all the ways you are capable. 

3. Frame your narrative & don’t apologize for what makes you uniquely you! Position everything as a strength: “I’m an introvert. What that means is I am a sponge. I will take in whatever is going on and step away to come back with my suggestions. If I am quiet, please know that I am thinking deeply about whatever you are telling me.” 

4. Engage with questions. If you want to be seen in the room and want to say something, don’t over think it by feeling the pressure to come up with an insightful comment. Ask a great question and listen with follow-ups! 

5. “Can I have a moment to think about that?” Feel the freedom of the pause and ask for the time to reflect when you’re put on the spot. 

6. Recharge your batteries. Tap into your internal reserves and set boundaries when necessary. 

7. When you have to step up or step out, practice! Enlist the help of an extrovert to rehearse public-facing moments. Practice makes perfect.