The quiet confidence of introverts

Society today often celebrates loud, bold and sociable behaviour, so it can feel uncomfortable to admit to others that you’re an introvert. If you think about social media, reality TV shows or corporate environments, the focus and approval often seems to be on people with more extroverted behaviour.

Research estimates vary, but introverts make up a significant proportion of the population. Despite the stigma that introverts are shy, don’t like people or lack confidence, the truth is that many introverts are warm, likeable and confident. Their confidence level is not determined by their introverted nature.

How do you know if you are an introvert?

Here are some common signs that you may be an introvert:

• You often work better on your own rather than in a team. This doesn’t mean you can’t be a team player, just that others can sometimes be distracting for you.
• You enjoy having time to yourself.
• You’re less likely to volunteer your opinion in a group situation.
• You like time to reflect and work a problem out for yourself.
• You’re happy to listen and observe in a social situation.
• You form friendships with fewer people, but in a deep and close way.

If you think you have an introvert somewhere inside you, then be proud of it and ignore the pressure from society to be more outgoing.

The strengths of being an introvert

There can be some great advantages to being an introvert:

• You may be less likely to be bored, as you are stimulated by your own company.
• As you are introspective, you may be more likely to think through and deal with your problems.
• As an observer of behaviour, you may understand people better and have strong rapport skills.
• Being happy in your own company means you may feel comfortable doing things alone, such as travelling.
• At work, you may not need constant reassurance from your boss and may be a self-starter.

Next time you wish you had the extroverted, confident and outgoing style of a friend or colleague, remember that your style of confidence is just as effective, and what you bring to a group is just as important