“She is so quiet! Do we even know anything about her? What department is she in, anyway?”
It’s true that introverts rarely speak up without being prompted, in a group situation.
Myth #4: Introverts are too quiet; they never talk.
Truth: As Gandhi said, “Speak only if it improves the silence.”
If an introvert starts talking about something they are interested in, they come alive – and if that happens, take notice because something important is being shared! There is simply no correlation between speaking up and having the best ideas; and an introvert won’t voice ideas that aren’t ready for public consumption. Introverts don’t need to voice every thought running through their heads.
Sometimes, they find it difficult to express themselves in conversation and often need time to think before speaking. Introverts will remain particularly quiet if they are feeling drained. And small talk? Nothing is more tiresome and tedious!
The silence has another benefit – exceptional listening skills. Introverts really listen. Not just to the words they hear, but what to deep meanings. Introverts are empathetic, compassionate and understanding and they naturally spend more time listening than talking.
Rachel’s job in IT requires a lot of client meetings. Her boss has learned to make sure that these meetings are with key people only, not the entire department. He astutely recognizes that she has a tendency to clam up and not participate when there are “too many” people in the room. However, he is encouraging her to open up more to her co-workers, since several have voiced their concerns about her extreme shyness. Rachel’s boss knows she isn’t really shy – Rachel often takes command of her client meetings with confidence he rarely sees in others.
But, getting her to engage socially at work… that’s another story.
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If you like this (short) post, you will like my newest book, “Introverts in Business”, in which I am talking about extroverts’ perception of introverts that is based on some pervasive and faulty myths, like introverts can’t make quick, bold decisions or introverts don’t participate; they are not good team players, or introverts never show initiative. Learn more here: http://www.northamericansalestraining.com/book-introverts-in-business/
