What Is Introversion?

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Introverts often prefer time to reflect before responding, which can deepen their contributions.

Small behavioral shifts can increase an introvert’s visibility.

Meeting agendas and individual brainstorming can help reflective thinkers contribute their best ideas.

I’ve been studying, writing about, and coaching introverts for years, yet the more I learn, the more I find to chew on. Many of us introverts prefer fewer words, but there’s no shortage of things to say about us.

Jennifer Marcou brings an especially useful lens: years as a senior corporate executive, paired with her work as a leadership coach and author of Lead With Quiet Confidence: A Practical Guide to Success for Introverts. I asked her what research can tell us about how introverts are wired, what workplaces still get wrong, and how we can make our strengths more visible while staying true to ourselves.

NA: I lose track of time while writing or having meaningful conversations, yet feel drained by cocktail parties. What does research show about how introverts and extroverts experience their surroundings differently?JM: Introversion and extroversion influence how people gain energy and respond to stimulation. Introverts are often energized by reflection, solitude, and meaningful conversations, while extroverts gain energy through interaction.

Research suggests introverts generally prefer lower levels of stimulation and process information internally before responding. Introverted brains tend to be rewarded by acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter associated with calm, focused thinking and reflection. Extroverts are often more comfortable thinking out loud and refining ideas through discussion. Extroverted brains are often rewarded by dopamine, a neurotransmitter that........

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