In today’s extroverted business world, introverts can feel ignored, overlooked, and misunderstood. In fact, according to my research—a two-and-a-half-year national study of introverted professionals—four out of five introverts say extroverts are more likely to get ahead in their workplace. What’s more, over 40 percent say they would like to change their introverted tendencies, but don’t know where or how to begin. The good news? Introversion can be managed.

What is introversion, anyway?

Introverts may be less noisy at work, but by all accounts they outnumber extroverts. Even many high-powered executives—a full 40 percent—describe themselves as introverts, including Microsoft’s Bill Gates and uber-investor Warren Buffett. Odds are, President Obama is an introvert as well.

But, what is introversion, anyway? 

Unlike shyness, a product of anxiety or fear in social settings, introversion is a key part of personality—a hardwired orientation—and may be best defined by several characteristic behaviors, including the need to spend time alone, process information internally, and “think first, talk later.” Introverts also seek depth over breadth, prefer writing to talking, and avoid showing emotion.

Other defining behaviors:

In my next blog post, I will share the hard realities that introverted leaders face in today’s workplace and how to overcome them.

Are you an introverted  technical professional? Do you manage introverts?  Do you agree with these defining characterisics?