The Power of Introverts in an Era of Extroverts. 

Achieve Success as an Introvert in an Extrovert Dominant Environment

"To work well with other people, you need to understand their personalities and they need to understand yours."  Adam Grant

There are surprising advantages to being an introvert in a noisy, extroverted world. But there are also several hurdles that the quieter population must cross.

Introverts face many struggles, as they navigate extrovert-biased workplaces and social situations. Often, introverts feel exhausted and overwhelmed by the sheer pressure to be more extroverted. One challenge is that introverts prefer ample alone time to recharge and feel at their best.

Introverts can go for a longer time without talking, and feel there is nothing abnormal or wrong with that. What actually energizes and recharges an introvert is some quality ‘ME’ time.  And sadly this is what is considered ‘rude’ or ‘weird’ in human society. Introverts have to constantly wage a battle within themselves - what is socially considered right or correct, and what they actually think is right. With the amount of pressure that exists, it is more likely for an introvert to submit to socially accepted norms of behavior. They try desperately to convert to an ambivert. Much like the caterpillar which tries to blossom into a butterfly. There is definite struggle, and pain involved.  Any form of change is tough; for anyone. And it is more likely for introverts to face this pressure to change and shift themselves, just so that that can fit into society.

So how are Introverts generally perceived? 

1. People assume that Introverts are shy or even rude.

2. People assume that Introverts have low self confidence.
3. People assume that Introverts don't know much as the reason they are so quiet.
4. People assume that Introverts are bored/sad/angry/disappointed as they are quiet.
5. People sometimes assume that Introverts are boring.
6. People assume that Introverts are afraid of meeting new people.
7. People assume that that Introverts must be bad at public speaking.

8. Introverts are always made to feel inadequate with peer comparisons. From a young age. And what follows is peer comparisons with mild to extreme extroverts. And introverts just cannot relate or comprehend, so they just start feeling insecure, inadequate, and under confident. These feelings are very difficult to get rid of and can fester inside through adulthood.

9.  Very few people recognize and appreciate introverts for their qualities. And these qualities are generally absent in the majority of extroverts. Introverts rarely get to hear laudatory words for being creative, deep thinkers, great listeners, considerate of others, thoughtful, independent, natural problem solvers and a for being a calming and soothing presence.

And in the Workplace:

So what are some of the things you may be missing out on by simply being an introvert?

1. Introverts often get labeled as weird or snobbish.

"In almost every real-life situation, folks are going to be suspicious of the person who keeps to themselves". "They tend to ascribe a lot of negative traits to the introvert. She's aloof. Snobby. Has something to hide. Strange. Selfish. Every once in awhile it's something good, but 80% of the time the introvert is a shady character."

2. Either they're forgotten or left out, or they take themselves out of the mix. Several introverts admit to politely declining and remaining within their comfort zones. 

"Introverted people can miss out on a lot of people and social events they would otherwise have enjoyed and benefited from experiencing,"

3. Introverts are usually doubted for their capacity, or ability to perform.  A sad fact- extroverts rank higher on the confidence scale, as they can ‘talk up’ and face new people and circumstances easily. 

4. Introverts can get overlooked.

"Introverts prefer to blend in with the crowd, and this makes it hard for them to get noticed,"  for this reason introverts are often "the first ones to be forgotten, which is an obvious disadvantage if you have rightfully earned a promotion or to be selected as a preferred business.

5. Introverts are very often misunderstood. Bad intentions are gauged, deliberate rudeness is inferred. The fact of the matter is more often than not completely lost in translation.  People often under estimate you which has a direct consequence on securing business and promotional opportunities. 

6. Introverts are looked down upon for lack of good ‘communication skills’. Right from an early age, introverts have to compete very hard with peers, who seem to have no problem in public or interpersonal speaking.

7. Introverts are often overshadowed at work. Introverts tend to be uncomfortable promoting their accomplishments, particularly in the workplace.

 "When it comes to any group project, our efforts are mostly ignored because we never bothered to highlight how difficult the task was, how important our part was for the complete project, or how we were also busy helping others and still managed to complete the task."