With all the encouragement of group work these days, whether you see it in school or at work, you have to admit that not everyone feels most comfortable working with others or in a busy, loud setting. Introverts, just like extroverts, have special qualities that allow them to learn in unique ways.
Introverts:
- Enjoy time alone
- Consider only deep relationships as friends
- Feel drained after outside activities, even if they were fun
- Are often good listeners
- Appear calm and self-contained
- Think then speak or act
There have been many famous inventors who are introverts, such as Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, Julia Roberts, Clint Eastwood, Charles Darwin and Mahatma Ghandi, and Rosa Parks. Although these appear to be all great leaders who have accomplished something spectacular, they all need time in a quiet environment.
Susan Cain shares her personal story through Ted Talks to remind people today that working individually and in a quiet environment should not be seen as "anti-social". She reminds us that it is just as beneficial to be thinking individually, as it is in collaboration.
Although I am an introvert, my husband is definitely an extrovert, bringing a healthy balance to our relationship. He encourages me to go out and take adventures in the world, while I remind him how nice it is to slow down, have a night in, and reflect on life and everything we're experiencing.
Since I am teacher at an IB international school (project-based) where group work is pushed to the max, I really enjoyed hearing her insight on why it's important to have a mix of group work as well as independent thinking time to maximize each student's creativity potential.
Enjoy the video and feel free to write comments below.
Susan Cain: The Power of Introverts/ Ted Talk> watch video