Great ideas are often found in quiet places.

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introversion by mattdixon on deviantart.com

Being a participant can be hard for introverts, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t keenly aware of what’s going on around them.  In fact, they may have quietly contemplated the perfect solution.  Unfortunately, since they tend to shy away from the spotlight or simply don’t enjoy working in groups, or perhaps aren’t the sort to step into the leadership role, their good ideas never get heard, or are ignored in favor of lesser ideas expressed by more outgoing & charismatic people.

Insightful introverts, however, have a remarkable characteristic that many extroverts don’t always show – they quietly do what they believe is the right thing to do, without prompting, and without an expectation of reward.  These positive deviants often demonstrate ideal behaviors, but don’t seek attention and, therefore, their great ideas go unnoticed and their efforts go unrecognized.

All of which is bit of a frightening circumstance to contemplate  - that great, near perfect ideas are being implemented, individually, throughout the organization but no one is bothering to actively seek them out.

That’s a problem for management, and not, necessarily, for the individual.  Managers and leaders who do not make themselves keenly aware of the people in their organizations, their habits, and the way they go about their work are missing out on the opportunity to identify solutions to common problems.  And all because their focus is upward and outward, and not downward and inward.