“There's zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.” 

― Susan Cain, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

The term introvert is not often associated with power or leader. Many hold false truths pertaining to the attributes to so-called introverts and the roles they may hold in modern society. Yet introverts have innat4e qualities that are not only beneficial to success in both business and interpersonal relationships; these qualities may be necessary to achieve optimal achievements.

Laurie Helgoe, author of the book ‘Introvert Power’ argues that introverts actually make even better leaders than they’re more outgoing, seemingly charismatic, extroverted counterparts. For example, many introverts tend to be better listeners and perhaps more intuitive than those seeking to have their voices be the loudest. She states; “We often think of leaders as putting out, having brilliant speeches and rallying, but that receptive capacity (of introverts) to receive, listen, take into account varying points of view, is very undervalued.” Additional qualities discussed in Introvert Power include the ability of introverted people to process thought on a deeper level preparing them for a proper, well planned course of action.

According to a 2009 Forbes article 40% of executives describe themselves as introverts, including Microsoft's Bill Gates, the über-investors Warren Buffett and Charles Schwab, Avon's chief executive, Andrea Jung, and the late publishing giant Katharine Graham.Introverts can also offer a calming, mindful presence to a team thus enhancing an overall heightened state of work flow and presence with the task at hand.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking’ bis an excellent read and identifies the stigma sometimes associated with introversion and also the highlights the depth and breadth these thinkers hold and how it can benefit our world.

Author Susan Cain writes, “I worry that there are people who are put in positions of authority because they're good talkers, but they don't have good ideas. It's so easy to confuse schmoozing ability with talent. Someone seems like a good presenter, easy to get along with, and those traits are rewarded. Well, why is that? They're valuable traits, but we put too much of a premium on presenting and not enough on substance and critical thinking.”