Much has been written about the differences between introverts and extroverts. Susan Cain’s book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking provides the single greatest source of data compiled on the differences between introverts and extroverts (at least that I’ve found) and has completely changed my perspective on how and why people communicate.
Here's why.
Once upon a time, I believed that some people talk out loud just to hear themselves speak; that they spoke out loud because they thought higher of themselves and thought others did, too.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I still believe this to be true—but not for everyone. The difference, according to Susan Cain, is this: the natural thought process employed by extroverts is simply different than that of introverts. Namely, extroverts naturally think aloud whereas introverts are more introspective and therefore think to themselves.
How does this little personality fun fact influence your perception of people? Don’t worry, the fun doesn’t stop there. Here are six more insights on how introverts stick out amidst their extroverted counterparts:
1. Introverts focus on meaning. Everybody needs a little “me” time. The difference between introverts and extroverts here is that the former group is energized by spending time alone, whereas the former feel as if they’re in a social draught, yearning for someone—anyone—just to say hi or interact with them.
2. One-third of people are introverted. That’s right. Some folks put on a good “extroverted face” but on the inside, they just want to go home and reflect.
3. Introverts listen. One difference between introverts and extroverts with significant leadership implications is that introverts listen more; they are more open to new ideas and therefore implement suggestions of others to a greater degree.
4. Introverts perform better. Catchy bullet point, huh? Let me qualify this before you decide to leave an “informative” remark in the comment box below. Introverts tend to be more effective with proactive people because they listen more and, as a result, benefit from their talents. Conversely, extroverts are more effective in influencing group dynamics when participants are passive.
Don’t get me wrong, there are environments in which extroverts excel and introverts don’t, too (but I’ll save that for another article). The point here is that learning how your personality brethren operate best is the secret to setting an environment in which people can work optimally, and that leads me to the next point…
5. Introverts are more creative. Yes, another bold statement I know, but hear me out. Better yet, hear out Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple with Steve Jobs, as he writes in his memoir, "… Artists work best alone where they can control an invention's design without a lot of other people designing it for marketing or some other committee. I don't believe anything really revolutionary has been invented by committee. If you're that rare engineer who's an inventor and also an artist, I'm going to give you some advice that might be hard to take. That advice is: Work alone. You're going to be best able to design revolutionary products and features if you're working on your own. Not on a committee. Not on a team."
Solitude prevents distractions—just ask any prison inmate in solitary confinement. What are the leadership implications for this? Plenty.
As noted in a previous article entitled The Hidden Truths About Introverts That Every Leader Should Know, I highlighted the importance of the leader’s role in setting the environmental conditions for people to work optimally and be their optimum selves. In meetings, for instance, is it incumbent upon every member to pipe in if he or she wants to be heard, or, is it incumbent upon the leader to ensure the right structures and processes are in place such that each person brings their optimal selves? If we now know that extroverts naturally think out loud and introverts think to themselves, who do you think would appear to “dominate” the meeting? Extroverts, right? Simply because it’s not in an introvert’s genetic makeup to provide answers on the spot.
Apply this newfound fun fact to schools and universities, where collaboration and group case studies are deemed “right.” But the question is, right for who?
If Wozniak’s testament isn’t convincing enough, check this out. A study conducted by research psychologist Anders Ericsson aimed to identify what distinguished elite performers from all the rest. The findings? Deliberate practice—solitary deliberate practice—made all the difference, and the reason is because…
6. Introverts excel at thinking clearly. With less distractions in a solitary (confinement) environment, introverts can work more methodically (and therefore make less mistakes) and stick with a challenge for a longer period of time. Extroverts, on the other hand, prefer to focus on their current surroundings.
Learning the ideal working and learning conditions of you and your team is the secret sauce to sustaining superior performance.
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