A common perception in our society is that introverts are shy and they do not or cannot take initiative to lead people. People often think of them as shy birds, more as a night owl rather than a vigilante Eagle. The world of introverts is misunderstood due to their lack of self-marketing. Well, I have always been an introvert and now I am going to pen down my views on the perks of being an introvert.
Being introvert doesn’t necessarily mean not talking to others. Introvert people can talk a lot, they can have wonderful communication and presentation skills. It’s just that they either cannot open up to people or they choose to be selectively introvert where they decide to whom and to what extent they want to open themselves up.
From my point of view, it’s never wise to bring personal and professional life on the same plate, especially in South Asia where people are more collectivistic than individualistic. From that point of view, introverts do really well in separating their personal and professional life, demonstrate well-maintained professionalism and fabulously create a work-life balance.
So, introverts cannot succeed in a competitive corporate world is nothing but an over-hyped misconception. When I decided to study Business, a lot many people told me that this is not for introvert people and that I won’t do well in future. But I am always very firmly confident about my competencies and capabilities because I know what I am and what I can do. And that’s another perk of being an introvert that they get more time to think as they spend less time to talk. I have seen that introvert people tend to be more creative, dynamic, and out-of-the box thinker.
And being an introvert, I still worked with so many people at so many places and diversity is not a nightmare for me at all. And I know from my personal experience, that you don’t need to talk well to succeed. You don’t need to talk at all. As long as you have the passion and determination, your work will talk for you instead of you talking for your work. In this era of competition only your hard work and integrity will pay off. Nothing more, nothing less.
I am not undermining the importance of communication by any means. Besides, communication doesn’t only mean talking. It’s a complete package of channeling information and managing people through variety of means.
Though I have been working for a very little time in the corporate sector, but I have always been very proactive since I was a student. But within this short span, I have done a lot of things and achieved a lot more appreciation. And this came only from my passion and determination. Because I always work very hard, and I try to perfect my work as much as I can. You don’t have to brag about your performance ever. Your dedication shows itself through your work. So, the only right way to succeed is to dream high and work hard.
What I want to say is just it’s not essential to be an extrovert to lead. And introverts can talk too, that even very wonderfully well. I just want to suggest that if you want to succeed in job, or in life, you don’t need to change yourself. Just know yourself, find out your strengths and weakness. Groom yourself in a way so that your strengths become strong enough to overcome your weakness.
Dream. Think. Work.
No one can stop you from reaching the echelon of your ambitions.
And just a little reminder: Being introvert is okay, but never be a coward. Step out and stand out. never hesitate to take a new step just like I decided today to take my pen (read: keyboard) and open up through writing.Your little steps will take you through the whole journey.
Writer: Faria Islam Amrin
Human resource Expert
