Why Introverts Are Better Performers

Source : Lifehack

You know that quiet person at the office who will only talk when spoken to? Or who will talk when they have something really vital to say? Well, that’s an introvert and they are everywhere.

If you work with an introverted person, you’re going to have to look deeper to appreciate that introverts have incredibly valuable input at work.

Here are ten things introverts usually do at work that gives them an edge to excel in the workplace.

What Introverts Do To Perform Better

1. They don’t speak before they think
While most extroverts will interrupt you when you are trying to say something because they can’t wait for their turn to speak, introverts will take their time before opening their mouth, quietly listening and reflecting in their head instead of thinking out loud.

Introverts often don’t know what they think immediately, they need time to think things through before coming to a conclusion.

2. They don’t encourage endless small talk
This is especially true when it comes to engaging with a raging extrovert because, let’s be honest, office small talk is a drain. It will put any introvert out of her element. Unlike extroverts who are energized by such interactions, introverts are exhausted and or bored by them. Introverts prefer much deeper conversations, ideally about philosophical ideas.

3. They don’t crave attention or the limelight
Introverts do their best work on their own and don’t really like attention. This is in contrast with what extroverts generally like. Extroverts tend to engage in attention-seeking behaviors and demonstrate great enthusiasm and assertiveness in a bid to gain external recognition and or reward.

It’s no wonder introverts are often overlooked for leadership roles, even though they make the most thoughtful leaders when selected.

4. They don’t sit all day at their desk, cursing the world
Introverts sit quietly incubating new ideas and executing plans for success.They create brilliant works of art, launch start-ups, and lead major corporations. They are happy to bring you along with them, just as long as you don’t insist on introducing a noisy crowd into their world.

5. They don’t patronize those they lead or supervise
The reason introverts do so well in leadership positions is because they thrive by listening carefully, even to suggestions from below. It is second nature for introverted bosses to listen, appreciate and validate great ideas, and highly unlikely for them to treat those they lead condescendingly.

6. They don’t stay silent on topics they’re passionate about
The prevailing stereotype in many workplaces is that extroverts are charismatic and not shy of speaking, while introverts are shy and never speak up. The truth, however, is that introverts won’t speak unless they have something important to say and or are deeply passionate about a topic.

7. They don’t act rashly
Introverts have an attitude of observance, reflection and caution. They don’t act rashly. Instead, they pause before action and are characteristically sure and steady.

This pause, often mistaken for hesitation, gives them time to study and analyze situations so that the actions taken make the most sense in the long run. In contrast, extroverts tend to be more spontaneous and respond immediately. Acting in haste is not necessarily bad, but it is often dangerous.

8. They don’t feel bored working long hours
Introverts have an impressive ability to focus deeply on one activity. They actually enjoy (and thrive) working long hours by themselves in environments that are quiet and peaceful.

By contrast, extroverts dread being alone for extended periods of time and easily get bored doing one thing for too long.

9. They don’t mind taking on solo projects
While extroverts love working in groups or teams and dread solo projects, introverts are naturally drawn to more creative, detail-oriented solo careers that allow them to “dive in” with few interruptions.

10. They don’t miss deadlines easily
Most introverts don’t need supervision.That’s because they are good at processing information and planning ahead. As long as goals and deadlines are understood, there’s no need to hover over their shoulders and micromanage. You’ll get the most out of an introverted employee by giving them clear expectations and a lot of space.

Are you an introvert or extrovert?

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