For years, introverts have been misunderstood by others.
Society often equates confidence with loudness.
I have seen some people make introverts shout or speak louder to make them “confident.”. As an introvert myself and as someone who is working in the space of leadership development and public speaking, my request is - please stop doing this! Making us introverts shout won't make us feel confident.
The truth is, being an introvert is not a weakness—it is simply a different way of interacting with the world.
The corporate environment, however, often rewards those who speak up the most rather than those who contribute the most valuable insights. This is where the real challenge lies—not in being an introvert, but in navigating a world that favors extroverted traits.
I have researched this in depth over the years. I want to begin with the book Quiet, written by Susan Cain, who started a discussion about Introversion through her powerful Ted Talk.
Here is a summary of what Susan Cain has written about Introversion and Extroversion in the book Quiet.
She explores the concepts of introversion and extroversion, beginning with Carl Jung's 1921 definitions, which formed the foundation for personality psychology.
Susan notes that while contemporary researchers have varying definitions, they generally agree on key differences: introverts prefer less external stimulation and work more deliberately, while extroverts seek more stimulation and work quickly.
She also clarifies that introversion is distinct from shyness (which is fear-based) and that introverts can be socially skilled but simply prefer less stimulating environments. In one section of the book, she notes that both personality types have valuable contributions to make, despite society's tendency to favor extroverted traits.
Introversion is a preference for environments with less stimulation where one can focus deeply and recharge alone, while extroversion is a tendency to seek higher stimulation through social engagement and varied activities, drawing energy from external interactions.
Here are some key Comparison of Introverts and Extroverts
Trait | Introverts | Extroverts |
Social energy | Social energy directed toward close friends and family; need alone time to recharge | Energized by social interaction; uncomfortable with solitude |
Stimulation needs | Prefer less stimulation; feel "just right" with quieter activities | Need more stimulation; enjoy meeting new people and exciting activities |
Work style | Work slowly and deliberately; focus on one task at a time | Tackle assignments quickly; comfortable multitasking |
Decision making | Think before speaking; make careful decisions | Make fast decisions; think out loud |
Concentration | Strong powers of concentration | May prefer variety and switching between tasks |
Communication | Listen more than talk; may express themselves better in writing | Talk more than listen; rarely at a loss for words |
Conflict handling | Tend to dislike conflict | Generally comfortable with conflict |
Conversation | May dislike small talk but enjoy deep discussions | Add life to gatherings; comfortable with casual conversation |
Risk-taking | Generally more cautious | More comfortable with risk-taking |
The book emphasizes that introversion is not the same as shyness, misanthropy(anti-social or hatred to mankind), or social awkwardness. Introverts can have these traits just like extroverts too. Both personality types have valuable strengths and can be successful in various domains.
Debunking the Myths and Misconceptions About Introversion
Myth 1: Introverts Lack Confidence
Introverts are often perceived as lacking confidence simply because they don’t dominate conversations. However, some of the most influential leaders in history were introverts who led with deep thought, careful consideration, and strategic communication. Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and Barack Obama are just a few examples.
As Susan Cain, the author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, states:
“There’s zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.”
Confidence is not about being the loudest person in the room, but about knowing when and how to contribute effectively.
Myth 2: Introverts Are Arrogant or Unapproachable
Many introverts have experienced being labeled aloof, uninterested, or even arrogant. The reality? They may simply prefer meaningful one-on-one conversations over small talk. Because they are more introspective, they take their time to process before responding, which may be mistaken for disinterest.
Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist who first popularized the term introversion, once wrote:
“The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.”
This highlights how introverts prefer deeper interactions over surface-level chatter. Their silence is not arrogance; it’s thoughtfulness.
Myth 3: Introverts Can’t Be Good Public Speakers
Another widespread misconception is that introverts struggle with public speaking. While it is true that many introverts may not naturally enjoy speaking in front of large crowds, that doesn’t mean they can’t be great at it. In fact, introverts often excel at public speaking because they prepare deeply, focus on substance over fluff, and deliver thoughtful messages.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama, an introvert, is known for his powerful speeches. It is well known that he practices and prepares extensively before delivering any speech.
According to an excerpt from Terry Szuplat's book Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience, Obama developed his public speaking skills over time, emphasizing the importance of preparation. The excerpt is as follows: It turns out, Barack Obama wasn’t, as many people thought, a “naturally-gifted speaker.” After freezing up while giving that speech as a young man, he’d done what all of us can do–he put in the work and, over time, got better.
For introverts, mastering public speaking is not about trying to be naturally loud—it’s about being strategic and well-prepared.
The Corporate Challenge: Why Introverts Struggle in Workplace Settings
It is true that in the corporate world, we are expected to work in teams, expected to collaborate, expected to network with colleagues, clients, vendors - and these are not very natural for introverts.
Hence there is a natural bias towards extroversion. Many companies value employees who are vocal in meetings, who network aggressively, and who can sell themselves confidently. But this often leads to undervaluing quieter employees who think deeply, analyze thoroughly, and contribute meaningfully in different ways.
Harvard Business Review research found that introverted leaders often outperform extroverted leaders when managing proactive teams because they listen better, take calculated risks, and allow others to shine.
Yet, many introverts fail to get promotions or recognition because they are overlooked in environments that reward visibility.
What Should Introverts Do?
The preference for quietness for introverts (similarly stimulation needs of extroverts) is a natural trait which cannot be changed, as per the research. But introverts do need to develop certain skills to navigate and thrive in corporate settings. Here’s how:
1. Speak Up—Strategically
Instead of trying to compete with extroverts by talking more, focus on speaking with impact. Make sure in your meetings, you speak up. When you contribute, make sure your points are well-thought-out and add value to the discussion.
2. Master Public Speaking (Yes, You Can Do It!)
Being an introvert does not mean you can’t be an effective speaker. Learn how to structure your thoughts, prepare effectively, and engage your audience.
Yes, it is a skill that can be learned by anyone!
3. Build Meaningful Professional Relationships
Networking is essential, but it doesn’t have to be superficial. Focus on building deep, meaningful professional relationships instead of just collecting business cards.
4. Amplify Your Strengths
Introverts excel at deep work, strategic thinking, and problem-solving. Showcase these strengths in a way that is visible to your organization.
5. Join a Supportive Community
One of the best ways to grow in your career is to surround yourself with like-minded professionals who understand your challenges. This is why I founded the Accelerated Leadership Success Community—to help introverted professionals be seen, heard, and lead with impact. Join Accelerated Leadership Success Community: https://www.coachjohncey.com/accelerated-leadership-success
Final Thoughts
Being an introvert is not a weakness. It is not something that needs to be fixed. But in a corporate world that rewards visibility, introverts must equip themselves with the right tools and strategies to thrive. You don’t need to become an extrovert—you just need to learn how to communicate your value effectively.
Johncey George is an introvert and a Leadership Coach for Introverts. His mission is to help a million introverted professionals create a legacy for themselves and create more leaders. https://www.coachjohncey.com
Johncey runs a Communication Mastery and Public Speaking Program for Introverted Professionals. He also runs a High Performance Leadership Certification Program for Introverts.
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