PSYCHOLOGY

12 Reasons Why Introverts Are Amazing

Here are the upsides of being an introvert

In Western cultures, bold and entertaining individuals typically receive a lot of praise. The United States is the best example of a nation dominated by the extrovert ideal.

In that kind of culture, introversion is often seen as a liability. However, like many opposites, introversion is complimentary and shines in a variety of situations.

Susan Cain did a great job of exploring introversion in her book “Quiet”. And I’ll try to summarize here why introverts bring so much value into our world:

1) Introverts are deep thinkers

Introverts typically avoid small talk. They like to dive deeply into a subject, think about it on their own, and create insightful knowledge works out of it. In comparison, extroverts are more likely to steal their ideas by copying them.

2) Introverts have a very strong conscience

Introverts are sensitive persons, which makes them more likely to feel sickened by violence and ugliness. They are typically more revolted by injustice. And they commit less adultery than extroverts.

3) Introverts make great participative leaders

In some cases, introverts make better leaders than extroverts. This is because they are considerate of the opinions and ideas of each member of their team. It helps to encourage proactivity, which means employees can adapt quicker to the situations at hand.

4) Introverts are the masters of bittersweet emotions

Extroverts can create the most upbeat music. But without introverts, we wouldn’t have the type of music that can soothe you in the saddest moment. In that category, Jay-Jay Johansson is a typical introvert that creates beautiful melancholic songs, here’s one of my favorites.

5) Introverts are the most supportive friends

While extroverts have more friends, introverts like to create a deeper connection with them. They are more likely to express intimate facts about themselves. And their tendency to feel embarrassed reveals they care more about the social rules that bind them together. They also prefer one-on-one conversations and dislike conflict.

6) Introverts make better decisions

Extroverts typically speak in an assertive and confident manner. They tend to be blind to danger, as they are less sensitive to stimuli and take decisions in a snap. In comparison, introverts are slower decision-makers that come up with more elaborate decisions. For example, a study of sixty-four traders at an investment bank found that the highest-performing traders tended to be emotionally stable introverts (Traders: Risks, Decisions, and Management in Financial Markets, pp 142–43).

7) Introverts fare better when resources are abundant

If introversion was a real liability, this personality trait would not have survived over the ages. It turns out being overly sensitive and careful about threats often resulted in a better survival rate when resources are abundant. This is because predators would also multiply and would kill the boldest and imprudent animals. However, extroverts would fare better when food is scarce and they need to assume more risk.

8) Introverts have better powers of concentration

While extroverts tend to tackle assignments quicker, introverts are slower and more deliberate. They like to focus on one task at a time and have greater powers of concentration. They are usually immune to the lures of status and money.

9) Introverts are more persistent

Extroverts like to take quick-and-dirty approaches to problems, trading accuracy for speed, and increasing the number of mistakes. Introverts are more persistent. They have the tenacity to solve complex problems and would not settle for less than optimal solutions.

10) Introverts are more creative

We tend to think that brainstorming ideas as a group is a superior method to find creative ideas. However, this is false. Even if you tell participants their ideas won’t be judged, they will typically refrain from evoking out-of-the-box ideas for fear of being considered an idiot or an outsider. A better strategy would be to make people think on their own first before sharing their ideas.

11) Introverts are more successful in college

Extroverts are more successful in elementary school. But introverts outperform them in high school and college. At University, introversion predicts academic success better than cognitive ability.

12) Introverts are better negotiators

In a negotiation setting, it might look like assertive people typically win the arguments. But ex-hostage negotiator Chris Voss has found it’s better to make your opponent speak and reveal critical information by listening to them and practicing tactical empathy. Introverts are better in that situation as they like to think before they speak and listen more.

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I hope this article helped you become aware of the qualities of introverts. This list was mostly inspired by the book “Quiet” by Susan Cain. This is an insightful read and I would recommend you read it if you like this subject.

On February 1st, 2022, I’ve embarked on a 100 days writing challenge. This is post number 33.