I’m An Introvert — What’s Your Superpower?

Celebrating National Introvert Day

“Quiet people have the loudest minds.” Stephen Hawking

It’s National Introvert Day, and in honor of all of us who recharge with alone time, I’m sharing a few of my thoughts on introversion.

First, let me confess: I am an introvert. This is no surprise to anyone who knows me personally, however professionally, I find that folks assume I am extroverted.

Introversion and extroversion are on a spectrum, and we can all grow and hone skills, (like selling, speaking, presenting, networking…) I work hard to be more outgoing and vocal. My natural inclination is to sit, think, think some more, and write.

Our society tends to overvalue outgoing, gregarious personalities and undervalue the quiet, introspective folks. This comes into play big time in the workplace.

I recommend that everyone read Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. Her book examines introversion and extroversion as traits that can be observed in infants, showcases the value that folks bring to the world and the workplace when they’re wired as introverts, and challenges the bias toward extroversion.