To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Introverts have many strengths that are overlooked in our society that values being outgoing and talkative.

While extroverts are attracted to the outer world, introverts prefer a rich inner life that focuses on concepts, ideas, and inner experiences.

Jennifer Kahnweller in her book Quiet Influence: The Introvert’s Guide to Making a Difference states that introverts are most effective when they stop trying to act like extroverts and make the most out of their quiet strengths.

Introverts:

• look at life from the inside out
• enjoy inner reflection
• feel excited about new ideas
• are good listeners
• think before talking
• prefer to write instead of talking
• value quiet time

Introvert Strengths

Knowing what you are good at and what is important to you is the starting point to make the most out of your introvert strengths.

Appreciating Quiet Time

Don’t feel guilty for enjoying time by yourself.

Even if people are supposed to spend time working in groups, attending parties, and getting some drinks, make sure you schedule some quiet time.

Introverts do their best work by prioritizing quiet time. This could be early in the morning, during lunch, or at night.

Many introverts enjoy spending some time reading, cooking, journaling, or exercising as a way to recharge their energy.

One of the most important strengths of an introvert is to value quiet time.

During this time, introverts connect with their knowledge and creativity. As a consequence, they are able to come up with new solutions and innovative ideas.

Having some time away from distractions, helps introverts increase their understanding of themselves and others.

This time of quiet reflection helps them to evaluate and make better choices.

Think about your quiet time as a way to recharge your energy, connect with yourself, and get ready to interact with others.

Preparing Before Acting

Preparation is crucial to get ready to take action. This includes researching, learning, and gathering information about a specific topic.

You may effectively prepare for different events such as:

• interviews
• meetings
• presentations
• new projects
• team discussions

Preparing before acting is an introvert strength because gathering and organizing information helps to process your thoughts and present them in the most effective way.

Learning about a topic in advance will help to have a better understanding of the situation and you will be able to contribute insightful information.

Looking at the problem in advance from different points of view and having a clear understanding of what is important will set you up for success.

Listening Attentively

One of the most important strengths that an introvert has is to listen attentively to others. This helps to better understand the problem and collect additional information to work out a solution.

Active listening can also lead to better understand other people’s:

• motivations
• worries
• problems
• aspirations
• points of view
• decisions
• actions
• ideas

This can lead to empathy, which is the ability to experience the feelings of another person.

Active listening includes

• asking open-ended questions
• being aware of body language
• paraphrasing

Active listening will establish a deeper connection to the other person.

Conversing About Meaningful Topics

It is important to engage in dialogue with others about specific topics combining listening and purposeful talking.

An important introvert strength is the ability to engage in meaningful conversations. Introverts may shy away from small talk but they love discussing topics of interest with others who are knowledgeable about the same subject.

Conversations offer different kinds of insights than just reading, watching, or listening.

Sharing your ideas with others provides immediate feedback.

Conversations focused on a topic of interest can help to:

• solve problems
• work through conflict
• encourage learning
• generate new ideas
• look at a problem from a different point of view
• provide insightful information

Decide how to set up productive conversations. It could be in person or online.

For productive online conversations, start by feeling comfortable with technology. For example, you could practice in advance and figure out how the different features work.

Take into consideration the time differences of other people participating in the conversation. If it is too early or too late, the other team members may not contribute their most productive ideas.

Before the meeting or conversation, create a schedule, agenda, and structure. Prepare some open ended questions in advance.

Use some stories and examples to illustrate your point and help others understand better what you are trying to explain.

Even if it feels uncomfortable, consider sharing personal information to build credibility and trust.

Figure out before the conversation what you feel comfortable sharing about yourself.

The more people know about yourself, the more they will trust you.

Writing

Spending some quiet time writing in a notebook or on a computer encourages reflection, insight, and connection among ideas.

Writing is another introvert strength.

Introverts prefer emails to phone calls and writing reports over giving presentations.

Writing helps to:

• clarify your thoughts
• explain a situation
• connect with others by carefully choosing your words
• express and better understand your feelings
• prioritize your goals

You may also want to read How Writing Can Make You Happy: Journaling.

Embrace your introvert strengths to make the most out of being quiet.

If you enjoyed this article you may want to learn more about how introverts can use their strengths to make a difference and influence others.

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