9 Great Perks of Working With an Introvert

As an introvert, perhaps it is no surprise that I have created a career that allows me to work by myself from home. This wasn’t always the case, and I have previously worked not only in busy offices but in the chaos of various city centre hospitals (including their A&E departments). I coped in a hectic work environment, but my preference has always been to work somewhere more peaceful and less stimulating. Thankfully, the work I do now is calmer, quieter, and allows far greater time for reflection and creativity.

According to Harvard Business Review, studies have shown that introverts make up around one-third to a half of the population. So, with a large proportion of the workforce made up of the ‘quiet ones’, what makes us so great to work with, and why?

The Misunderstood Introvert

It is often easier to identify the extrovert in the office. Extroverts naturally draw attention to themselves, love being a big part of the team, and often exude confidence. Conversely, introverts tend to be quieter, more reserved, or happy to do their own thing without getting drawn into group discussions or office politics.

Due to being quieter and less commanding of attention, introverts are often assumed to be shy or lacking in confidence. Often, the opposite is true. Introverts find inspiration in solitude, and can easily work creatively without bouncing ideas off others. Despite not regularly volunteering thoughts or opinions, internally an introvert will be full of new ideas that they will carefully analyse before deciding which ones to share.

Another misconception is that introverts are antisocial. For introverts, meetings, phone calls and noisy, busy environments are draining. To recharge, an introvert needs time alone and peace. This may mean that they prefer to work in a quieter area of the office, or choose to head straight home at 5pm rather than joining the team for after-work drinks. Being able to recharge in peace is what keeps an introvert feeling healthy and creatively nourished.

The Benefits of Working With an Introvert

Workplaces do not always have a favourable opinion of introverted colleagues. However, having an introvert on your team or working for you could give your business the edge for the following nine reasons.

1. We don’t want the limelight. The last thing an introvert wants is too much attention. We like to be left to our own devices to get on with a task, without needing to vocalise our progress or achievements. Head down – job done.
2. We make excellent team leaders. Introverts tend to be better listeners, and we usually think before we speak or act. We are also keen to learn so when we realise that a colleague has a great idea, it’s easy to be receptive to it. This style of management shows colleagues that they are valued, and encourages professional growth in others.
3. We excel at working independently. While an extrovert might dread being given a task to complete alone, introverts are drawn to careers that allow them to work one-on-one or flourish as a solo act. This means we take responsibility for every action or choice, and work to a high standard.
4. We get the work done when it matters. Part of working independently means that there’s no-one else to fall back on. If we’ve promised to deliver something, we do everything we can to uphold it. If you need something urgently, we’ll do our best to help you.
5. We don’t miss deadlines. With a date or time in mind, we work hard to get work finished on time or ahead of schedule, as long as we have the space to get on with it. If the goal and deadline are clear, getting work in late just isn’t an option for an introvert.
6. We practice self-reflection and are always looking to grow. Part of being someone who tends to turn inwards is that it is easier to focus on our thoughts, feelings, ideas and dreams. This supports our self-awareness and helps us to recognise what our next goal might be, and how we will get there. For this reason, we are always growing professionally.
7. We make a good impression. Despite being quieter than others, we are generally liked. Being a good listener, paying attention without trying to volunteer an opinion, working hard and delivering work to a high standard count for a lot. Despite extroverts often being more sociable, studies have shown that extroversion and likeability do not always go hand-in-hand, especially in those with poor emotional competence. Extroverts may therefore be more likely to experience difficult co-worker relationships.
8. We are good at networking. Despite being quiet, we speak well in public and can network effectively. This is because introversion is not the same as shyness. We are not worried about social situations, and our performances are prepared to a high standard. We just know that we will need to retreat into a quiet space afterwards to recharge. For most, this act of self-care is something to look forward to.
9. We speak up when something really matters. Often, I will sit quietly while a group conversation continues, because I know that I don’t have anything important or different to add to what has already been said. Throughout the conversation, I am still intently listening and taking on board the views of others. However, for topics that I feel passionate about or have a different perspective on, I will talk at length, contributing my thoughts or feelings and inviting the views of others. Whether I am passive or active in a conversation, I will likely remember what has been said for years afterwards.

Final Thoughts

There are many benefits to working with or hiring an introvert. While you may not end up with an office social secretary, you will be working with someone who reflects on the needs of both themselves and the team, thinks creatively, and works to a high standard every day.

Let’s talk! If you’re ready to embrace the benefits of working with an introvert, you can book expert health writing by getting in touch with me today!