Decode the power of introverts in the workplace

Instead of discounting introverts as anti-social hermits and extroverts as attention seekers, here’s how a manager can harness the powers of both personality types.

The brain is one of the most complex and magnificent organs in the human body. The brain gives us awareness about ourselves and our environment, processing a constant stream of sensory data. It controls our muscle movements, the secretions of our glands, and even our breathing and internal temperatures. Its neurons record the memory of every event in our lives.

Every creative thought, feeling and plan is developed by the brain, and creativity depends on individual thought processes.

The people and thus their brains may be classified into two broad categories – introverts and extroverts. Extroversion and introversion are Jungian type terminologies and the nomenclature is essentially archaic ¬– extroversion does not always mean that a person is loud and introversion does not mean that the person is shy. It is all about where they get their energy and motivation from — whether from other people or from themselves.

Scientifically speaking, whether a person is an extrovert or an introvert depends on the dopamine level in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter that is present in the brain. It is not the quantity of this chemical but its activity that differentiates between introverts and extroverts.

Many people consider introverts to be anti-social hermits who only want to stay at home and read. On the other hand, many people believe extroverts are attention seekers who continuously post on social media about their lives.

When in business, you need to classify the team very intelligently around these two. It demands more precision and consciousness. Let’s make it a little interesting.

Sahadev (the fifth Pandav in the epic, Mahabharata) had an introvert kind of brain. Having wide knowledge of the world and the processes going around it, he was quiet, calm and cool. He provided supreme advice, but only when asked. In a team, find the hidden ‘Sahadev’. He/she might help you get out of system trouble and hence let you grow.

To raise the power of introvert people, one must provide the environment or create the circumstances. The team needs to be prepared for this glorious task. Make a note: Introvert people are not a liability; they are a valuable asset; as a business person, you need to develop their power. What they can do, will prove to be the best.

Here are a few filmy examples: Gabbar (not the Sholay one but the one from Akshay Kumar’s movie) was a notable example. Sunil Grover, who acted as a simple constable, was on the verge of solving the case and identifying the mastermind, ‘Gabbar’. However, due to his designation, he was not getting the opportunity to explore and put his thoughts on the table. Then, the right team leader joined the team, allowed him to speak and provided him a better environment. The constable unleashed the hidden power of knowledge and helped the team. This is what we call the power of the introvert.

Psychology defines an extrovert person as one who is primarily concerned with physical and social environments. Extroverts are very energetic. Ajay Devgn, in Singham 1 and 2, shows such a personality. The qualities are:-
1. Careless about the fame he carries.
2. Applies full knowledge
3. Good leader
4. Full of confidence
5. Brings better result to the business

Both personality types are unique and at par with each other in their skills. They are best when the environment is suitable. Develop them and develop the business.

(The author is a HR executive at Shreno Limited Glass Division)