Introverted Employees: An Asset or a Liability
From very early on, a child is rewarded and applauded for his/her extroverted nature. Being active in the class, having command over their peers, and the constantly growing network of friends earned through socialization – such behavior is celebrated, recognized, and put on for show.
But, every person is inherently different, which means every person’s behavior is going to be different.
While it’s important to have an outgoing nature to be good at communication and networking, which inadvertently helps one thrive at their workplace, one simply cannot overlook the advantages that an introverted employee brings along with their quiet nature. To be shy, sensitive, and aloof is not a bane. It helps one excel in places where an extrovert person would find it difficult to survive.
It would not only hurt the chances of introvert job seekers to lose a job because of their personality but it’d also be a great loss for the company to miss out on an excellent, sharp brain that can work more independently and creatively than anyone else in the crew.
Why do Introverts Make Good Employees
Here are some handful of reasons to convince you that your introverted employee would add a great deal to your workforce!
Introverts are often more independent and productive at work
When most of the other employees would run to the cafeteria to make small talk with each other after working for a little while, you’d find your introverted employee on their desk, still working.
They are immensely dependable people and have a longer attention span to focus on independent projects without needing to socialize every second minute.
They find it worthless to be part of the grapevine when they could utilize the same time trying to find out-of-the-box solutions to problems at hand. They thrive working in solitary and generally tend to pride in their efficiency.
Introverts thrive in creative situations
If your business explores a creative field, introverts are your people! They dare to think differently and find extraordinary solutions to problems since they spend more time reflecting and processing the task at hand than their extrovert counterparts.
It’s almost as if introverts wear different shades of glasses than others, which makes it easier for them to find unexplored angles of their work that would otherwise be untapped. You can almost always expect them to come up with some novel insights and ingenious solutions.
Introverted employees reflect a lot before they speak
While it is a common stereotype that introverts are shy and quiet, it is exactly what makes them take a step back from the situation, gauze at it carefully before speaking up.
Unlike extroverts who run at the first chance to fill the uncomfortable silence, introverts would only speak their mind when they have given it enough thought and are convinced that their input is worthy to be put forward.
One of the benefits of introverted employees is that they always come up with a well-thought-out plan and never otherwise! So even if they are not as talkative as others, it’d be smart to listen to them when they do decide to speak up.
Introverts don’t need the center stage
While extroverts always desire to be the protagonist of every play, introverts just enjoy adding enough meaning to the story, regardless of their role. Introverts don’t let their fat ego come in the way of their productivity.
They would never try to take anyone’s credit just to garner some attention. They are passionate about their work and they enjoy creating new things for the sake of originality, not because they cannot function without recognition and praises.
Moreover, they would be the last people in the group to shove their opinions and ideas towards anyone. If anything, they’d quite enjoy listening to and implementing other people’s suggestions.
Introverted employees never partake in office politics
Introverts EmployeesExtroverts desire to be liked by all; they desire to be the center of the attraction which leads them to play unnecessary mind games – something that no introvert would be found taking part in. On the other hand, managing introverted employees isn’t hard at all.
They will always be found concentrating on their work. It’s not like they do not want to get ahead of everyone at work, but only based on their hard work and honest work ethics, not office politics!
They generally do not enjoy being in the middle of any personal drama, let alone be sucked in the whirlwind of office politics. They value transparency, honesty, and efficiency at work, instead of playing their way through the power play tactics that their extrovert counterparts involve in.
Introverts make long term plans
While extroverts enjoy getting immediate rewards by their employers, introverts are more content with working on projects that continue for long stretches that would help them reap benefits down the line.
They don’t get distracted easily which helps them carry on long term plans to fruition. Introverts would involve themselves in finding long term solutions to the work problems, making them an indispensable part of your workplace.
Introverts tend to be more self-effacing
Unlike their extroverted counterparts, introverts tend to be more humble and grounded. They can usually insert themselves in a situation from other people’s perspectives and wouldn’t hesitate from admitting their mistakes if any.
They do not desire to hide their mistakes which would lead to more chaos, instead they look at their failure as stepping stones, as a prospect to improve their skills to be better at their work.
Introverts do need to seek glorification for their farsightedness, and their ability to understand situations and perspectives but giving them such recognition would truly boost their morale. Thus, working with introverted employees is not as taxing as handling your extroverted employees!
Despite their existing multiple misconceptions and strong stereotypes about introverts at the workplace, they can truly make one of the best employees if you know how to effectively use their creative perceptions and commendable listening skills, by putting them on the right projects.
Also Read: Steps to Safeguard Employees in Coronavirus
