Introverts Who Use This Secret Weapon Can Be More Powerful Than Extroverts in the Workplace Less extroverted colleagues are often misunderstood and underestimated — but their talent for one thing in particular sets them up for success.
By Amanda Breen Edited by Jessica Thomas
Key Takeaways
- People often assume introverts are shy and uncreative, neither of which is necessarily true.
- Karen Eber, CEO and chief storyteller at Eber Leadership Group, reveals how introverts can be a real asset in the corporate world.
It's estimated that introverts make up 25% to 50% of the population, yet misconceptions about them and their capability within the workplace abound.
All too often, people assume introverts don't like being around others or that they're shy and uncreative, Karen Eber, CEO and chief storyteller at Eber Leadership Group, says — all of which contribute to underestimations of their potential to speak and lead effectively.
Entrepreneur sat down with Eber, whose book The Perfect Story: How to Tell Stories that Inform, Influence, and Inspire is forthcoming from HarperCollins in October, to learn more about why introverts are an asset in the corporate world and how they can avoid being overlooked.
Related: 5 Tips To Networking at Conferences as an Introvert | Entrepreneur
First, it's important to understand that introverts aren't antisocial or unwilling to contribute to conversations; rather, they might come up with their best ideas when they're given the chance to reflect before responding, spend time alone to recharge or have ample time to prepare, Eber says.
"While extroverts were traditionally rewarded for being the first to speak and think out loud, business is shifting to recognize a variety of ways of working," Eber adds, "especially in hybrid environments. Being an introvert is no different than preferring to write with your left hand over your right. Both preferences are great, and it's ultimately about determining what works best for you."
What's more, introverts bring different skills to the table than their extroverted counterparts, like noticing details, patterns and what contributed to success, Eber says. Their talent for thinking, crafting and refining make them strong keynote speakers, and their ability to ask the right questions can also push a stuck team forward.
"Introverts can share perspectives or even lead reflection on what's working or what isn't on a team or project," Eber says. "They frequently can point out everyone's contribution to the team and identify the unsung heroes. While extroverts may speak first, introverts help deepen the conversation and direction. Want to know where the team is slow to make decisions? Ask an introvert."
But perhaps introverts' greatest power of all? Their approach to language and storytelling. Research indicates that extroverts speak more words per day and frequently use vague or abstract terms, Eber says, while introverts are much more deliberate in their speech and focus on precise language.
"Stories allow introverts to communicate with higher impact," Eber explains. "The act of telling the story will create empathy and understanding for the audience and even increase trust. As the listener is engaged by the story, they form their own conclusions. Messages land in a more engaging and memorable way, amplifying the introvert's presence. Stories let them use fewer words to create a larger impact."
Related: 5 Mega-Successful Entrepreneurs Who Are Introverts | Entrepreneur
When it comes to being overlooked in the workplace, both the individual and leadership play an important role. According to Eber, leaders need to get to know their team members and figure out if they're an introvert, extrovert or ambivert, and introverts need to advocate for themselves and the way they work best — for example, asking for discussion topics ahead of a meeting so they can prepare or highlighting their contributions during one-on-one check-ins.
