Bookworm: Quiet Power

Introversion isn’t a flaw to be fixed – it encompasses qualities we need in everyday life, writes Susan Cain.

What’s this book all about?

In a world that celebrates movie stars, models, divas and others who draw attention to themselves, introverts are able to make their mark in their own quiet way. Indeed, their talent for listening, empathy, patience, deeper study and longer focus can be considered a superpower.

In Quiet Power, Cain continues her mission to change the way we see introverts and the way introverts see themselves. In particular, she extends her field of vision beyond the workplace and into everyday life and friendships, with a particular focus on young people.

Who wrote it?

Self-described introvert Susan Cain (with Gregory Mone and Erical Moroz), author of New York Times bestseller Quiet: The Power of Introverts in A World That Can’t Stop Talking, which has now been translated into 40 languages.

LinkedIn named her the world’s sixth Top Influencer and her TED Talk has been viewed more than 40 million times.

Why the focus on young people?

Adolescence is often the hardest period in an introvert’s life. Teen who are introverted may struggle to form friendships. Extrovert parents may not understand how stimulation can leave them feeling drained and in need of a reboot. Meanwhile, at school, teachers may favour students who put up their hands above those who feel less confident to voice their opinion.

This is therefore a crucial time for introverts to learn more about what makes them tick and what they can do to achieve success.

What do we mean by ‘introvert’?

The idea that the entire population can be split down the middle into attention-seekers (dubbed ‘extroverts’ by Carl Jung) or attention-avoiders (dubbed ‘introverts’) is a massive oversimplification.

Introversion and extroversion are simply two bookends on a very long shelf. Many of us sit squarely in the middle of this continuum – territory often referred to as ‘ambivert’ – or we may combine qualities from both extremes. However, most introverts do share certain qualities, such as a rich inner-life and a tendency to gravitate towards quiet environments where they can commune with their inner thoughts.

It’s this ‘quietness’ that Cain identifies as part of her own inherent nature.

Is it a problem that our culture celebrates extroverts?

The world around us reflects and magnifies the perception that extrovert behaviour is desirable.

In school, college and the workplace, loud and outgoing people are often popular – or considered popular – even if they aren’t particularly smart or talented. As a result, introverts can feel the pressure to be ‘more outgoing’, that they’ll never ‘fit in’, or even that something is fundamentally wrong with them.

But introversion isn’t a flaw to be fixed; introverts simply need the right environment in which to thrive.

Could you give an example?

Cain shares the experience of student Brianna whose teacher would encourage group discussion by first giving each participant three sticks. For every contribution they made, a student could discard one stick, with ‘leftover’ sticks ultimately equating to a lower grade.

The whole idea of talking for the sake of it is anathema to introverts. Instead, says Cain, teachers (and other group leaders) might try a ‘think/pair/share’ approach, which involves designating time for isolated thinking (which introverts are great at) before pairing up people to discuss their thoughts prior to them being shared with the group.

This gives introverts a way to participate and to prove themselves as great team players.

What’s a good lesson to take from this?

Those of us who are introverts shouldn’t compromise or maintain unhealthy relationships just to ‘fit in’. In work, we might consider approaches such as ‘think/pair/share’, which are better for introverts than look-at-me discussions and ego-heavy brainstorms.

What am I most likely to say after reading this book?

 “By harnessing the focus and thoughtfulness that comes with introversion, we can unlock ‘quiet power’ and put it to good use.”

What am I least likely to say after reading this book?

 “The louder the voice, the bigger the idea.”