Introverts Unite

In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Susan Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated.

Not too long ago, we'd all come to work, sit in our place, do our job, and then go home. It was usually more private-and more introvert-friendly. Today, up to five generations of people now work shoulder to shoulder, in conjunction with uncountable new tools.

Always a shy child, my mother approached me during my high school career and informed me that I was to send in an application to the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership seminar. "I don't want to go to that," I informed her. "There will be lots of people I don't know there."

Most companies have a tendency to hire "go-getters" who are "outgoing" and show "leadership ability." Extroverts, in other words. Primarily hiring extroverts is shortsighted, though, according to Rodney Anderson, CEO of the rapidly-growing Pancheros Mexican Grill and a self-identified introvert.

When meeting somebody new at work, you follow a well-established ritual: a handshake, an assessment of relative status, a few words of chit-chat and then you sit down and get to the business at hand. Introverts and extraverts alike find this ritual easy.

Conventional wisdom is that successful people tend to be extroverts who can easily build relationships, promote their personal brand, give riveting presentations, and generally "press the flesh" in face-to-face situations. That conventional wisdom is outdated. As hundreds of pundits have pointed out, the only way a company can survive and thrive today is by being constantly and consistently innovative.

I've mentioned in several columns that I'm an introvert. Yesterday one of my colleagues told me that I shouldn't worry about being introverted because my writing makes me sound extroverted. In other words, being introverted is something to be ashamed of and covered up if possible.

Why unlocking the power of introverts matters: the manifesto that guides the Quiet Revolution.

Introverts are often thought of as shy, aloof, disinterested and "stuck up" because they keep a low profile. But that assumption couldn't be further from the truth. Think of James Bond for a moment. Bond doesn't always wear his emotions on his sleeve - or on his face.