Today's post from the Chamber of Commerce features business-growth advice for small companies.
Susan Cain compares the societal status of introverts in the workplace to that of women in the early 1960s. Introverts, she says, have a lot of work to do to be fully utilized and appreciated.
“The current workplace is not set up for introverts to succeed,” she said in a recent phone interview. “This leads to a colossal waste of time and energy.”
Since writing her New York Times bestseller “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking” Cain says support for her observations has been overwhelming. Introverts who have always felt societal pressure to act like extroverts are finding new ways to behave.
In an interview with Rookie magazine actress Emma Watson references Susan Cain’s book and says that her own discovery that she is an introvert was empowering.
Celebrities are not the only ones who can benefit from embracing and using the strength of their introverted nature though. When it comes to sales and business development success, Cain insists that introverts play a vital role.
“Introverts are often talented at fostering close, one-on-one relationships with people,” she said. “Their motive is not to work the entire room, but to find one or two people to talk with. You do that enough times, and you have quite a network of people with strong connections.”
For introverts who feel uneasy about typical “extrovert” activities, like making sales, Cain has two pieces of advice:
- Draw on your natural strengths. Lead people to decisions on your product, services or company through your expertise. You do not have to try to be something you are not; be genuine and your natural abilities will come through. Harnessing the power of an introverted personality is not about changing, but rather about emphasizing what is already there.
- Partner with extroverts. There is nothing wrong with relying on extroverts for certain tasks. In fact, both personality types play well together and can mean powerhouse results for companies that know how to best pair salespeople and other company leaders. “Look at Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer… they have completely opposite temperaments. I don’t think that is by accident,” Cain said. “You have the power of both the yin and the yang.”
Are you an introvert or extrovert – and how does your personality lend to your professional success?
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Katie Parsons writes for the ChamberofCommerce.com where she specializes in business news affecting major markets. ChamberofCommerce.com helps small companies with online growth. Plus, it facilitates connectivity between local firms and over 7,000 Chambers worldwide.