11 Introvert Qualities That Help You Crush It In Your Career
Introverts are having a moment right now. After years of being in the extraverts' shadow, employers are finally waking up to the fact that quieter, more solitary individuals have a lot to offer the workplace. From leadership skills to creative problem-solving, sustained focus to attentive listening, introverts bring many surprising strengths to the table which should not be overlooked.
Still, you may not realize just how much you’re contributing because introverts don’t usually call attention to themselves. So, let’s shine a spotlight on some of the ways you’re doing a really great job. If you're feeling nervous about your next performance review, think about your accomplishments in these areas to show just how valuable you are.
1. You Get a Lot Done Behind the Scenes
Since you’re often “quiet about it” (this could be the introvert’s theme song), your boss and coworkers may have no idea what you're actually doing much of the time. As a rule, it’s a lot more than you talk about or what others can immediately observe!
If things need to be done independently, thoroughly and without making a big fuss, introverts are the right people for the job. You are a self-starter who is comfortable working alone without much guidance or supervision. That's an important skill to have in today's always-on, always-busy work environment, because you're not always waiting for someone to tell you what to do next. You're already on top of it.
2. You Don’t Need to be the Star
You may be just as ambitious as an extraverted coworker but it is unlikely that you will ever be accused of being overly self-promotional. You're more likely to let your work speak for itself and not actively seek public attention. That doesn't mean you don't want recognition for your achievements, but it's not the driving force behind your actions.
This quality may not seem “career crushing” at first glance. But actually, it sets you apart as a team player and someone who focuses on collective success rather than individual glory. You will add your ‘voice’ when it’s needed, but sometimes it will be in writing or through action – you show, don’t tell. And when you do speak up, it’s because you’ve thought it through and really have something to say.
3. You Do Your Homework
Since you aren’t spending as much time talking, socializing or working through your ideas out loud, you have the time and inclination to think things through and get your facts straight. You are nervous about speaking before you’re sure of what you want to say, so you don’t. This means that by the time a project is due or a meeting is scheduled, you have analyzed the data and tested your theories. You show up prepared, and that brings a great deal of efficiency to the workplace.
4. You Can Maintain Deep Focus
The term “flow state” describes a situation where you are completely immersed and focused in your work. You might call it being “in the zone” or “losing track of time” because you are so engrossed in what you're doing. Introverts are masters of maintaining this deep focus and can often sustain it for long periods of time.
Why is this important? It's important because lots of career-enhancing things happen when you're in a flow state: you solve complex problems, you come up with creative ideas, you make great progress on a challenging task, you spot opportunities others might miss. And, when you have a job that requires deep focus and concentration, such as coding or writing, you may be able to produce higher quality work than someone who is frequently interrupted.
5. You're Low Drama
Introverts aren’t usually interested in office politics or co-worker drama. In fact, you’d rather not have attention focused on yourself at all. You are the definition of substance over style and let your personality shine in your work rather than through office gossip or social maneuvering.
This is a strength because things are peaceful with you around. Helping the office stay high on achievements and low on distractions is a real advantage, resulting in less wasted time and energy for everyone.
6. You Dig Deeper
You tend to step back from what’s going on in the moment and take your time to think things through, do thorough research, and reflect about how it all fits together. This approach helps you deepen your knowledge and apply it thoughtfully – and the preference for depth applies to how you relate to other people, too.
At work you might form close alliances with one or two “best friends” with whom you work especially well, combining each others’ strengths in powerful ways. When introverts help and support each other, magic happens. You may not be the loudest or most visible person on your team, but you are likely bringing a unique perspective and valuable insights to the table.
7.You're a Great Listener
Though you default to listening because you tend to talk less, there’s more to it. A lot more. You listen carefully to learn about the people and situations around you, and thus gain understanding. And by doing more listening than speaking, when you do speak, what you say is likely to be well thought out and relevant.
Others may be more comfortable around you because they feel valued and understood, and don’t have to worry about rushing to get their thoughts out before you talk over them. This quality can make you the kind of coworker or manager that others feel comfortable talking to. It can help you earn their trust, bring out the best in them and gain information they might not share with you if you gave speeches instead of really listening.
8. You Provide a Different Point of View
As an introvert, you aren't just ‘lacking’ in extraversion. You have your own positive traits and talents that make you a valuable asset in the workplace. You have a different way of thinking, getting work done and relating to others.
These differences give you useful perspectives that others may not have even considered. Variety is not only the spice of life; it’s a benefit in the workplace to have a variety of talents, temperaments and ways of thinking. Since introverts often see things differently, you can share viewpoints that fill in important gaps, making you a useful addition who meets a real need.
9. You Can Work Independently
Since introverts are comfortable spending time alone, and you don't need to feed off the energy of being around others, you have a special strength for working alone. You can excel at solo projects, remote work, self-employment or other flexible work options, because you don’t need to draw on a group work environment for energy, motivation or direction. That can give the people you work for confidence, knowing they don’t need to frequently check up on you to make sure you’re doing your job.
10. A Lot More is Going on Beneath the Surface than is Obvious
There’s a reason for the saying “still waters run deep.” Not only does being quiet allow introverts to think deeply, but your quiet surface can be deceptive. You’re likely thinking – and capable of – a lot more than people realize.
It’s also like you’re watching a play instead of being on stage. If you’re in the middle of whatever’s going on at the moment, and focused on delivering your own ‘lines’, you might miss something important. When you step back a little and observe, you notice things that can be helpful, such as potentially problematic dynamics between coworkers, an overlooked piece of information, or someone’s hidden talent and how to utilize it.
Your quiet surface can turn you into a “secret weapon” when you need to dazzle an important client or visitor because they won’t expect the quietest person in the room to bring so much to the table when it counts.
11. You Can Be A Surprisingly Good Leader
Many introvert strengths are also skills that make good leaders. Leaders must be able to stay calm in the face of adversity and take the time to think things over. They must be thoughtful and prepared, and they must have the patience to listen, really listen, to their colleagues and employees. Introverts possess these traits naturally, and that gives you a special type of influence over those around you.
In fact, some of the most influential leaders today identify as introverts, such as Elon Musk, Larry Page and Warren Buffet. They may not have the flashy charisma often associated with leadership, but their strong moral compasses, deep thinking and ability to work independently have propelled them to success. The same skills are in you, waiting to be harnessed and developed.
