Solitude breeds creativity, a common reason why some of the world's past and current most influential artists and leaders were, in fact, introverts. Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg were all described with this personality type. Today, however, extroverts overshadow introverts in varying areas.
For example, schools and colleges now tend to cater to the needs of extroverts rather than introverts, even one-third to half of the U.S. population identify as introverts. With common lecture-style classrooms evolving into more collaborative and teamwork-style desks and tables, this forces introverts to participate in a more stimulating environment. This is not to say introverts should not be collaborating with others, but forcing the students to produce their ideas in what is an uncomfortable environment for them is not allowing them to live to their full potential.
Before continuing further, a common myth regarding introversion must be debunked. Introversion is not the same as shyness. In some cases, they may work hand-in-hand together to create one's personality. However, introversion is a personality trait that will continue with us throughout our lifetimes, whereas one can overcome shyness from childhood to adulthood. Additionally, shyness is an avoidance of social interaction due to the fear of being judged or humiliated, whereas introversion refers to the preference for an environment that is not overly stimulating.
I acknowledge this point because introverts are often overlooked for their ability to be leaders based on others, such as extroverts, being more vocal about their opinions and decisions. Being an introvert does not make you incapable of holding certain leadership positions. Introverts have the same skill-level of leadership as extroverts, just holding different strengths. It took me a long time to realize the power of the introvert.
Entering into college, I was unaware of the leadership potential within introverts because I always recognized leaders as outgoing and lively, two characteristics of which I was not. When I opened a letter from the University of Minnesota informing me I had been accepted into a leadership program designed for students who had significant potential to be leaders, I assumed it was sent to me by mistake.
After two semesters in the program, I recognized the power behind the quiet. During the second semester of the program, over half of the students in the program recognized themselves as introverts. Each student, similar to myself, had not recognized this gift in them prior to the program.
I tell this story specifically because society is wasting the potential and gifts of introverts by failing to teach introverts their personality type is commonand okay. Instead, values of outgoingness and liveliness are often preferred in many categories of life and introverts simply cannot live up to the demands, but their strengths must not be wasted, misused, or changed.
Instead, introverts must recognize their personality type is needed and desired in multiple different aspects. Being introverts does not make them any less of an applicant or employee as an extrovert. They are strong, willing, and capable.
Let the creativity consume you. Embrace the quietness.
