The Odd Question
I recently came across this question online and found it quite odd, mostly because of the way it was worded. When looking at someone’s character, we can say thoughtfulness, empathy, active listening, creativity, and deep thinking are strengths.
We can also say impatience, stubbornness, overthinking, arrogance, and impulsiveness are weaknesses.
But introversion is not a character trait.
Understanding Introversion
Introversion falls more into the realm of personality psychology, which studies individual differences in people’s characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Introversion is when people feel more comfortable and happy spending time alone or with just a few close friends.
In contrast, extroversion is when people love being around others and feel energized by social activities. Introverts recharge their energy by spending time alone, while extroverts recharge by being with others.
Like the electric car and the gasoline-powered vehicle, there are camps that will talk smack about how one is better than the other. I have heard this among the “natural-born leader” camp (extroverts) vs. the “made leaders” (introverts).
Introversion in Leadership
So, can being an introvert be considered a weakness in the field of leadership?
I would argue against that statement, as illustrated in a blog post I published called Introverts Make the Best Leaders. Some of the positive character traits we discussed earlier, like empathy and active listening, are traits of a good leader and happen to be common among introverts. Some try to claim introversion as a weakness because extroverts consider some introverts weird.
Defining “Weird”
One of the definitions given in the Merriam-Webster dictionary states that the term weird refers to someone or something “of strange or extraordinary character; odd, fantastic.”
Extraordinary and fantastic.
How is being extraordinary or fantastic a weakness? By saying an introvert is weird, you are essentially saying that they are capable of accomplishing extraordinary or fantastic things.
The Gifted Introvert
Because of the “naturally born” aspect, some might claim that extroverts are more “gifted.” Some recent statistics show that around 70% of gifted people are introverts. People are considered “gifted” when they exhibit extraordinary intelligence or a superior talent for something, such as music, art, or math.
Legendary composers like Johann Sebastian Bach were highly introverted yet well-respected for being masters of their craft. Famous artists like Claude Debussy and Vincent van Gogh are recognized as some of the best artists of their era, and both were considered extremely introverted. Flamboyant vocalists like Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson were beloved by millions of fans for their songs, yet both preferred a very private life. Many would label these men as “weird.”
Yes, they were extraordinary in what they accomplished. Besides being gifted, these five men were well known for their creativity. Creativity is also an area in which introverts excel.
Creativity and Introversion
David Goldstein, an internationally recognized artist and personality-type expert, explains in an interview with Psychology Today that “extroverts prefer to engage with actual objects—like moving furniture around a room to see what arrangement looks best, while introverts prefer to create within their minds, and this can be an advantage.”
If extroverts need external objects while introverts just need their minds, how much more creative will introverts be when dealing with potential objects that don’t yet exist? It takes vision, and introverts have an edge over extroverts in this sphere.
Social Interactions and Introverts
What about the notion that introverts are weak in areas like social interactions? While most introverts may opt out of large social gatherings, they excel in many key areas related to social interactions.
Thoughtfulness
Introverts tend to think before they speak or act, as opposed to many extroverts who speak in order to know what they are thinking. Because of this, extroverts are more likely to offend others during social interactions, while the introvert’s thoughtfulness leads to well-considered decisions and responses. Introverts are less likely to offend due to their inherent thoughtful nature.
Empathy
Being attuned to their own feelings can make introverts more empathetic and understanding of others’ emotions. In contrast, many extroverts are apathetic, remaining indifferent or lacking interest, enthusiasm, or concern. When talking to someone about your problems, who would you more likely want to talk to? The person who understands how you feel or the one who remains indifferent? People connect more strongly with those who are empathetic—a trait common among introverts.
Excellent Listeners
Introverts are often considered excellent listeners, which helps them build strong, meaningful relationships and understand others deeply. Are introverts weak in areas like social interactions? I think we can honestly answer “no.”
Conclusion
Introversion is not a character trait; it falls into the realm of personality psychology. It is not a weakness but a unique strength that offers distinct advantages. Introverts bring qualities like thoughtfulness, empathy, and deep listening to their interactions, making them effective leaders and compassionate friends. They excel in creativity and introspection, often producing extraordinary works and innovative ideas. While extroverts may thrive in social settings, introverts provide a balanced and reflective approach that is invaluable in many aspects of life. Rather than viewing introversion as a limitation, it should be celebrated for the remarkable contributions it enables individuals to make.
If you disagree with my assessment or have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment below.