In the world of business, it might seem like extroverts have an unfair advantage. They appear charismatic, engaging and can readily put those around them at ease. Introverts on the other hand, have been stereotyped as aloof, cold and unfriendly. An analysis by Sutton Trust of BBC data has also found that people who were extroverted had a 25% chance of earning more. With statistics like these, do introverts stand a chance? In fact, they do. Introverts wield powerful traits that make them key contributors. In this article, we provide all the reasons why introverts are just as likely as their extroverted counterparts to build a successful career in business.
Understanding the power of introverts
1. Introverts are good listeners
Introverts have a keen listening ability. Instead of being quick to assert their opinions or offering suggestions on the fly, they tend to give their full attention to the person speaking, putting a significant amount of thought into what they say during meetings or how they give advice to their subordinates. They tend to make what they say count, preferring to offer valuable insight rather than just saying something superficial.
2. Introverts can empathise deeply
Introverts are able to intuitively read the emotions of people and can easily empathise with others. This tendency makes them more likely to build deeper relationships. As they enjoy solitude and have a greater tendency to be introspective, preferring one-on-one interactions over large groups, they are more in tune with the inner workings of the mind. They hence have a heightened sensitivity to the feelings of others. This then translates to introverts being great leaders in the business world, as they have a deep understanding of those they lead and are able to lead with compassion.
3. Introverts plan carefully
Extroverts have the natural ability to think on their feet and speak without much preparation. While Introverts, may not be as comfortable speaking unprepared, they adapt by structuring their thoughts before speaking and ensure they only say what they want to when they’re fully certain. This characteristic makes them more methodical and strategic. You can be guaranteed that introverts will do the necessary research and ensure they have covered all ground. It’s also likely that they will rehearse several times until they are assured, they are fully prepared. When preparing them for negotiations, delivering pitches or working on business strategies, introverts make for great assets within the team and therefore should not be overlooked.
Explore business programmes with PSB Academy
You might consider yourself an introvert and have factored this into your decision-making process when selecting your degree programme, job and career path. However, your introversion might just prove to be your strongest asset. Consider the business programmes offered at PSB Academy. Alternatively, you can consider our analytics courses or accounting courses – disciplines that demand students to be detail-oriented and thorough – and where an introvert’s best traits shine. Explore our range of courses from certificate courses to diploma courses to bachelor’s degree courses.
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