Approximately half of the U.S. population, it is estimated, is introverted. What does that mean? Well, psychologists divided people into two types, introverts, and extroverts. Introverts are energized by being alone or with one or two people. Extroverts are energized by big networking events and parties. Introverts are thoughtful and sensitive. Extroverts are personally dynamic and outgoing.
In many sales-driven organizations, extroverts are preferred, because they are drawn to interaction and conversation. They make very good salespeople. Introverts are thoughtful and more likely to make an impact in more creative pursuits, where their tendency to think deeply can flower and be seen in the contribution. But they are not fitted to every role, because they may view meetings and even interoffice conversation with dread. Introverts are shy.
Business leadership, though, can benefit be advising introverts toward the best jobs for them. Some of the best are as follows…49
- Statistics or Mathematical Analysis
Introverts often like to work primarily alone. Many are very analytic. They can make excellent statisticians or analysts because those jobs require a lot of number-crunching and not much interplay between people.
Also, if introverts are required to give reports or briefings on their work, working in statistics or mathematical analysis gives them a hefty subject matter to discourse upon. That can help them get over their shyness as the requirement to make small talk to a client, for example, would not.
Introverts often prefer to work alone.
- Writer
Writing work can be ideal for introverts because it requires analysis of abstract concepts and often solitary creation. Introverts are good at both. The growing tendency of writers and other creative professionals to work remotely can also make the job ideal for introverts, who will not be required to expend a lot of their limited intrapersonal energy on office interaction.
- Social Media Specialist
Placing an introvert in a social media specialist position might seem counterintuitive at first, because social media is, well, social. But, of course, the competencies of the job requiring thinking and analysis, the core qualities of introverts. In addition, a lot of social media work in organizations requires paying consistent attention to the analytics, such as who is responding to certain messages, why, and how that can be optimized. This utilizes the analytic side of introverts, which is very well-developed.
- Translator
Translators spend a great deal of time alone, translating from one language to another. They have to be able to make a text mean the same thing and sound as mellifluous in one language as it does in another. It takes a great deal of sensitivity and concentration. Ideal for introverts, in other words.
- Accountant
Accountants crunch and pay significant attention to numbers. Because of the detail-oriented nature of most accountancy, it’s an ideal position for introverts. The interaction required with clients is also very focused on numbers and exchange of information, rather than small talk and purely social exchange. It’s likely to be a very comfortable environment for extroverts as a result.
As you’re planning your business strategy and promotional paths, keep the strong suits of introverts in mind.