If you are not an introvert this post may not be for you. However, if you are interested in learning more about common misconceptions about introverts, please stick around to read more.
To all of my lovely introverts – I see you and I hear you. If you have ever felt this sentiment, “I accept others as they are, why can’t they accept me as I am?”, your voice has been heard loud and clear. Cultivating a welcoming environment for introverts has not always been the meat and potatoes of company strategy. I believe it is time to turn the page.
It can be challenging to be on the other end of a conversation with people who have a louder presence in the world. [Introverts] are usually mistaken for being aloof, withdrawn, nonchalant, too quiet, siditty (up on our high horse), uppity, noncommittal, calculated, and so much more. You may have even noticed that the very essence of quietness can come across as threatening or negative given the right circumstances, yet we all stand to learn so much more about people when we let them speak 🗣️
Now to my fellow extroverts, if you see your introvert clients, colleagues and inner circle existing in their natural state, usually lending a listening ear and observing, do not assume that they are not interested, engaged, or excited. They are simply being themselves. On behalf of all the introverts out there, I simply ask that you accept them for who they are because they do accept you for who you are.
Honing quietness is just as important as speaking up. Creating an environment where all people can thrive will allow introverts to feel more at ease while continuing to produce quality work and leadership. Forcing them to be someone who they are not – having a louder prescence – will only stifle progress, collectively. If you think putting an introvert on the spot is developing them as a speaker, it’s not. Introverts perform exceptionally well when they are given the time and space needed to curate their thoughts and prepare to speak as they wish. Trust me. They will let you know if they need something or wish to be heard. How do I know? You guessed it…I am an introvert.
Do You Know Any Introverts?
