10 Reasons Corporate Culture Should Value Introverts

By: Malcolm Rowlings

The corporate industry is defined by its powerful, charismatic leaders who articulate their company’s innovative measures through bold and confident public announcements. If corporate culture can be likened to the backbone of a business, then the leaders are like the vocal box. They take the reins during meetings, deliver presentations and speak at a variety of different conventions and gatherings. These individuals become the face of their industry, and would surely be described as extroverts by most.

But do all corporations need to seek out the most social and outgoing individuals to represent their company? Surely the quieter, introverted applicants have something to bring to the table. There are a wide variety of assumptions made about both classes, similarly to those applied to the “Type A” and “Type B” personality archetypes.

The truth, however, is that introverted people are very rarely what you imagine them to be, and in fact, one of the friendliest people in your office right now could be a textbook introvert. Corporate culture has a lot to learn about the homebodies of our society, and here are 10 reasons why the industry should value them.

1. They know how to self-motivate

However confident an introvert may be, the defining characteristic is that they cherish alone time. Seldom things bring them the joy that quiet time alone to regroup and reenergize does. Because of this, they do not rely on others to inspire them or “take the lead.” They’re easily self-motivated and can get their jobs done without having to be periodically nudged along the way.

2. They’re observant

Introverts don’t talk as much as their counterparts, so they tend to notice a lot of finer details others overlook while swept up in the wave of conversation. Whether it’s body language, vocal cues or the words left unsaid that convey the real message, introverts usually know how to read people pretty well, which will surely come in handy for industries like talent management.

3. Introverts can still deliver great speeches

If corporate culture can be likened to the backbone of a business, then the leaders are like the vocal box.

A very large misconception among the general population today is that “introvert” means “antisocial.” This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Introverts don’t hate people, they just don’t have the love of small talk and constant interaction that extroverts do. This by no means signifies that they can’t write a killer sales pitch and deliver it with just as much gusto as an outgoing colleague.

4. Introverts deliver only necessary information

Introverts don’t mind silence. They don’t feel the need to fill every gap of quiet space with conversation, and tend to only talk when they have something they feel is of value. Because of this, they’re the type of employees that bring the information you need straight to the table, without all the filler.

5. They don’t do office politics

While social networking is vital to a business’ success, corporate culture always stresses the importance of sincerity. With introverts, that’s usually what you get from day one. They’re not about fake social interaction in hopes of scoring a few brownie points. They just want to do the job they’ve been hired to do, do it well and get promoted because of that. They respect their superiors, but don’t care about the inner-office drama and self-established hierarchy.

6. They’re dependable

How many mission statements have you read that emphasis reliability and loyalty? These are two values exalted among the corporate industry, and also two that are extremely lacking among many of today’s workers. Introverts are the type who only trust a few people, but once they’re on your side, you can expect nothing but a trustworthy and deeply committed worker.

7. They can handle high-stress scenarios

Since introverts tend to avoid as much conflict as possible, they have the ability to keep a calm demeanor in the face of tension. This is highly valuable in a managerial candidate, who needs to be able to objectively assess a situation and address it accordingly.

8. They are more suited to the new age of business

Introverts are great at communicating without having to actually speak, and likewise make fantastic social media managers and marketing directors. Many departments are lead by under performers, and no matter how charismatic they are, they are not innovators. Innovation is crucial in today’s rapidly growing online world, and introverts are up to the task.

9. They give more freedom to superiors

Instead of having time eaten away in long meetings, office chit-chat and the like, introverts will always be as concise and direct as possible. This doesn’t just make them more efficient. It also means that you, as a boss, will have more time to focus on your own work and not have to constantly check in to make sure things are getting done.

10. They complement the extroverts

Opposites attract, right? Introverts and extroverts may view socializing differently, but they still bring unique and equally important qualifies to the table. Extroverts excel in spoken work, especially in fields like sales and marketing, but we all know that these positions have a lot of detail and behind-the-scenes action that requires the focused attention and dedication that an introvert can provide. With an introvert handling the logistical side of things, the extroverts can really put all their energy into people and networking. This type of dynamic is what helps businesses thrive.

By Malcolm Rowlings

Main image: Generate idea concept from Shutterstock.com