MEDIA RELEASE
October 25, 2009
Introverts benefit a company in ways extraverts seldom do
October 25, 2009, TORONTO - While it's true that introverts can be easily overlooked by their employers and peers, one should never mistake their quietness as lack of skill, creativity or intelligence - evidence suggests quite the opposite.
"It is not unusual for introverts to have the right answer, or the perfect solution, or a great idea, but getting it out there for others to see is another story," says Carole Cameron, Director of Creative Performance Solutions (CPC), consultant and author of Splash, An introvert's guide to being seen, heard and remembered. "Because an introvert tends to let others shine and is less likely to vocalize their own achievements or corporate contributions, it is easy for them to be overlooked by even the most discerning corporate executives or management team. But their input should not be underestimated or go unnoticed, as it's often well thought out and developed."
It is not unusual for introverts to be perceived as quiet, shy, private, aloof, snobbish, reserved, lacking confidence, lacking ideas, can't interact, and many other not too complimentary descriptions, but these are merely inaccurate impressions. Anyone holding to one of these above persuasions could lead them to overlooking the likes of Bill Gates, Ayn Rand, Warren Buffett, Carl Jung, George Lucas, Pierre Elliott Trudeau and President Barack Obama - all introverts. The latter, during the most recent financial crisis in the U.S., brought calm, hope, and decisive action to a nation in need - suddenly being smart, classy, and quietly thoughtful has become trendy.
Forming stereo-typed impressions of introverts and extroverts is dangerous. For instance, to think that extroverts are confident and introverts are good listeners is a generalization that is completely misleading.
"This is perhaps the most limiting misconception about introverts and introversion," says Carole Cameron. "Introversion is not really about confidence, but it can sure look like it. In reality, there are certainly many confident introverts in the world. Just as there are many insecure extraverts."
Unlike extraverts though, introverts can come across as hard to get to know or to appreciate. But, one charming and endearing quality of introverts is that they don't "give it all away" at once. They don't freely divulge all their inner wisdom. There's a courting that must take place first to build trust; this creates an environment for open dialogue.
"Getting to know an introvert is like peeling back the layers of an onion, or like digging for hidden treasure," says Carole Cameron. "The more you peel, the more you dig, the more you discover the great value they bring to the workplace; such as their ability to be keen observers, sensitive listeners, comfortable with empowering others and letting others shine, and to work independently,.."
Because introverts are comfortable operating behind the scenes, and don't need to be in the spot-light, they can easily be underestimated and give the wrong impression, Because they tend to focus their energy inward, their best stuff tends to be on the inside, right where no one can see it. Extraverts process ideas "on the outside" as in "thinking out loud". Introverts process ideas and thoughts "on the inside".
Organizations that take time to nurture relationships with introverts may discover untapped resources that provide a wealth of information.
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For further information or interviews contact:
Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions
Public Relations Specialists
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Fax: 1.866.384.7384
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Web: www.stratcommsolutions.ca
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