Closeted introverts rejoice! Susan Cain’s Quiet draws some needed attention to the extroversion ideal we find in today’s society. When over a third of people are introverts, including notables such as Steve Jobs and Rosa Parks, why are we writing off an entire personality type?
It seems that we’re happy to celebrate the extremely talented tech-wizards, who work in isolated garages, but we’re not so tolerant of the other introverts. Cain argues that this extroversion ideal has resulted in a rash of trendy business initiatives such as open plan offices, team brainstorming and staff presentations – but where’s the place for the introverts in this world?
Quiet explores the strengths of introverts, how they can be successful leaders, and what happens when they pretend to be extroverts. It also examines how to nurture their growth and development, and how introverts and extroverts can happily co-exist.
As a not very closeted introvert myself, the book was an empowering read and I, along with some other introverts at the Institute, am eager to capitalise on our new found strengths.