If there’s one trap human beings fall into, it’s judging a book by its cover. In the absence of information, people fill in the gaps themselves—guided not by facts, but by instinct.
I can't say I blame them. I mean, after all, they're forming their judgment based on outward appearance--gestures, enthusiasm, verbosity. Unfortunately, though, if they never come to know the person well, they will carry on believing they were right on the money.
The problem comes when the person starts disseminating that flimsy information. Before you know it, everyone at, say, the office perceives you as being a certain way--the wrong way-- and it can build resentment. Rumors spread like wildfire, and it's very difficult to break a perception people have of you, whether true or otherwise.
So what's this trait, you may ask? It's none other than introversion. Introverts direct energy inward -- which is why you're bound to find them totally fine when by themselves or with one or two people -- but completely drained in large, noisy crowds.
Since an introvert may come off as quiet and retiring--especially after heavy social interaction-- people may unfairly characterize them as rude, snobby, or disengaged.
But this labeling couldn't be more short-sighted. In fact, introverts need solitude and quiet to recharge their batteries. Otherwise, they couldn't function in a world that does seem to favor extroverts, who draw energy from being around others.
Introverts, in fact, have myriad gifts to offer, including thoughtfulness, creativity, and deep reflection. Rather than chiding introverts in the workplace for not speaking up, employers should leverage these gifts while leaving the louder, more outgoing folks to deliver presentations and shmooze clients.
Growing up, I got a lot of flak in school for being to my myself. But I refused to open my mouth just for the sake of speaking (and to appease meddling teachers and classmates). As an adult, I'm much more outgoing and conversational--in part because I take anxiety medication--but I would never lambaste anyone who'd rather stay home and read a book than go to a social function.
If you ask me, we need more people in the world who think before they speak. Introverts aren't deliberating trying to look standoffish and introspective -- that's simply how we're wired. But if you were to strike up a chat with us, you're bound to see a much different person, as introverts are much better at one-to-one interactions than group discussion.
In sum, introverts and extroverts offer their own set of gifts and talents. But it's time we dispel the notion that introversion is wrong and needs "correcting." No, it's just the way introverts are wired. They become enervated by long meetings and noisy settings but energized by reading, writing, and other more solitary activities.
The sooner people realize just how much value introverts can add to a company or relationship, the quicker we can dismantle the stubborn perception of introverts being withdrawn loners who have a bone to pick with the world.
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