Latest news with #introverts
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How AI Is Helping Leaders Spot High-Potential Introverts
Nearly half of the global workforce is missing out on recognition, and companies may be paying the price. Global Myers-Briggs data shows that 56.8% of people worldwide prefer introversion. Yet, traditional hiring and promotion practices often favor extroverted traits, systematically overlooking high-potential introverts who could be among the organization's strongest performers. AI is changing the equation. New tools powered by artificial intelligence are helping leaders spot, retain and promote these quiet performers. This is a crucial shift, as research published in Harvard Business Review reveals introverted leaders actually outperform their extroverted counterparts by 28% when working with proactive teams. As the corporate world wakes up to the value of quieter, more thoughtful employees, embracing AI may be the key to unlocking this hidden talent. So how exactly are AI tools surfacing these hidden high-potential introverts—and what does this mean for the future of leadership? Here's how artificial intelligence is reshaping talent management. How AI Drives Data-Driven Leadership Artificial intelligence is transforming talent management by enabling leaders to move beyond gut instincts and surface-level impressions. Data-driven insights now allow organizations to uncover high-potential introverts whose impact might otherwise go unnoticed. Prodoscore, a leader in employee productivity and data intelligence software, leverages organizational network analytics (ONA) and AI to identify hidden talent. 'Prodoscore leverages ONA, specifically metrics like eigenvector centrality, betweenness centrality, and organizational density, to reveal high-potential employees based on collaboration indicators such as shared meeting attendance, internal and external email and chat frequency, and productivity scores,' says Prodoscore CEO Sam Naficy. 'High potentials frequently emerge within informal cliques, sometimes remaining hidden from higher-level leadership until these analytics surface their central collaboration roles.' How Leaders Spot High-Potential Introverts at Work For decades, traditional talent identification relied on in-person visibility and outspoken participation—qualities often associated with extroverts. In contrast, introverts may build influence through thoughtful contributions, behind-the-scenes problem-solving, and serving as connectors between teams. Their leadership potential is real, but easy to miss without the right tools. Naficy explains, 'Quiet performers frequently serve as essential organizational 'glue,' bridging disconnected groups rather than directly collaborating with large numbers of colleagues. Our data consistently finds these high-potential leaders occupy critical positions within organizational networks, indicated by high betweenness centrality scores—even without formal management roles.' How AI Helps Introverts Thrive Remotely The shift to hybrid and remote work has upended many traditional cues for evaluating employees. Managers can no longer rely on office presence or who speaks up most in meetings. As Naficy notes, 'Hybrid and remote work arrangements haven't impacted our process; instead, the shift has reinforced the critical need for a solution like Prodoscore. Our methodology relies entirely on unobtrusive, API-based activity data, seamlessly capturing productivity and collaboration behaviors regardless of work location.' This approach ensures that high-performing introverts aren't overlooked simply because they aren't physically present or self-promoting. Naficy adds, 'In a traditional office, you might passively observe who's always talking in meetings or visible in the hallways. But with distributed teams, that informal observation isn't possible. Our technology provides the objective data to ensure those quiet, high-impact contributors are never invisible, regardless of where they're working from.' How AI Reveals High-Potential Introverts AI-driven analytics are transforming how organizations uncover quiet contributors who often go unnoticed. Here's how advanced tools are making it possible: ONA sits at the heart of how AI surfaces high-potential introverts. By mapping communication flows, collaboration patterns and digital activity, these analytics reveal who drives connectivity within the company—even if they aren't the loudest voice in the room. Prodoscore helped one customer uncover the actual value of a "seemingly mediocre employee" whose requests for raises had been repeatedly dismissed. "After deploying Prodoscore, the manager identified the employee as a critical connector, bridging multiple teams and acting as an internal resource for a diverse group of employees,' Naficy shares. 'Highlighting these quiet high performers' extensive yet invisible organizational contributions enabled leaders to proactively spotlight, retain, and even promote valuable talent they weren't initially aware of.' Another significant benefit: AI helps minimize unconscious bias in talent selection and promotion. 'AI can mitigate talent-selection bias by systematically excluding demographic factors unless explicitly included, helping ensure equitable feature selection and predictions,' Naficy says. While no system is perfectly free of bias, combining AI with ongoing, rigorous assessments is essential. What can leaders do to ensure they're not missing out on their next star introvert? Naficy recommends starting with clear, measurable performance criteria aligned to business objectives. 'My strongest recommendation for organizations adopting data-driven talent identification is to precisely articulate and measure the outcomes you aim to optimize,' he advises. 'Generative AI may expedite the process, but without clearly defined objectives, you risk gaining insights that lack direct business relevance.' For introverts aspiring to advance, self-promotion may feel unnatural. Naficy suggests focusing on tangible, evidence-backed outcomes: 'Sharing documented successes and performance insights regularly with managers in structured, outcome-focused conversations can enhance visibility without compromising an introvert's authentic communication style.' Leveraging internal mentors or sponsors who can amplify these achievements is also an effective way for quiet performers to gain recognition. Harnessing AI to Build Inclusive Teams AI-powered analytics are transforming the way leaders identify and nurture high-potential introverts, ensuring organizations don't miss out on some of their most valuable talents. By moving beyond bias and traditional visibility, companies can unlock the full potential of quiet performers—creating stronger, more innovative and inclusive teams for the future of work.
Fast Company
26-07-2025
- General
- Fast Company
How to go from quiet to commanding
BY Listen to this Article More info 0:00 / 4:48 You're smart, capable, and consistently deliver results. But in meetings, your voice disappears. As an executive coach with over two decades of experience, I've helped hundreds of introverted leaders find their voice, speak up, and lead with impact. If you're a quiet professional, especially an introvert, you know this feeling well. You're respected, but not remembered. You stay heads-down, hoping the work will speak for itself. But it doesn't. The truth? Many high-performing introverts struggle to be heard, not because they lack confidence or ability, but because they rely on their work to speak for itself. In today's fast-paced, visibility-driven workplace, that's no longer enough. If you want to be seen as a leader, you have to be heard. I recently coached a senior scientist at a global biotech company. Exceptionally skilled and deeply respected, she quietly disappeared in high-stakes meetings, and it was costing her. Colleagues overlooked her contributions. Leaders began excluding her from key decisions, and she was repeatedly passed over for leadership roles, not because of her ability, but because she wasn't seen as a strong presence in the room. Her insights were compelling, but she hesitated to assert them. Some leaders began to misread her silence as a lack of confidence or conviction. What she experienced is common, especially for introverts. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that introverts are often overlooked for leadership roles, not because they're less effective, but because they don't actively show up. When they stay under the radar, they risk being underestimated, no matter how valuable their contributions. Great work isn't enough if no one sees it. You have to make it visible. And that means speaking up. You don't have to be the loudest voice in the room. But you do need to be the one people remember when the meeting ends. That's what shifts perception. That's what gets you noticed. The good news? You don't have to change who you are. You just need a strategy to speak up with clarity, confidence, and impact. Here's how. 5 WAYS TO SPEAK UP WITHOUT BEING LOUD These five strategies are designed specifically for quiet professionals like you, who want to be heard by adding value, not volume. 1. PREPARE WITH PURPOSE As an introvert, preparation is your superpower, but don't overdo it. When preparing for meetings, you don't need to know everything; you just need to know what matters. Don't just bring data; bring perspective. Before the meeting ask yourself: What's the one thing I want leadership to know? What decision are they facing, and how can I help move it forward? advertisement 2. CONNECT TO OUTCOMES Subject-matter experts, and many introverts, tend to explain their full thought process, but that can lose your audience. Instead, lead with the impact. Link your input directly to results. Leaders pay attention when they hear how an idea drives business value, solves a problem, or moves the team forward. 3. DROP SELF-MINIMIZING LANGUAGE Introverts often over-qualify their ideas to sound polite or careful, but it comes across as uncertainty. Skip phrases like 'This might be silly . . .' or 'I'm not sure this makes sense . . .' and say, 'Here's what I see' or 'One idea we haven't explored yet.' If you catch yourself starting with a qualifier, pause. Say it silently, then switch to a more confident version before speaking. 4. START WITH WHAT MATTERS Skip the long preambles. Don't ease in with, 'Let me walk you through my thinking . . .' Go straight to the value: 'Here's a risk I see' or 'One angle that haven't been mentioned . . .' The faster you get to your point, the more likely people are to listen and remember it. 5. FOLLOW UP TO EXTEND YOUR INFLUENCE Many introverts find that writing helps them organize and express their thoughts clearly, so use that strength. After the meeting, send a follow-up email summarizing key points or outlining next steps. This reinforces your ideas, keeps your contributions visible, and positions you as someone who drives clarity and action. YOU'RE IN THE ROOM FOR A REASON If you've ever stared at a table of senior leaders, or a Zoom screen full of them, and thought, What am I doing here? you're not alone. But you weren't invited as a favor. You're here because you add value. The question is: Are you making it clear why your voice matters? The next time you're in a meeting, don't disappear. Show up. Speak up. Let your quiet wisdom be heard. The super-early-rate deadline for Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Awards is tonight, July 25, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
13 ‘Antisocial' Behaviors That Introverts Secretly Enjoy
Introverts get a lot of flak for being 'antisocial,' but the truth is, they just enjoy their own company. There's really nothing wrong with that. What might look like avoidance or standoffishness to others is actually how they recharge, reflect, and make sense of the world. These so-called "antisocial" habits are their secret sources of joy. Let's dive into 13 habits that introverts quietly cherish, even if they might not shout about it from the rooftops. There's a very specific kind of relief introverts feel when plans get canceled. It's not because they don't like people—it's because they genuinely treasure solitude. Experts note that introverts need alone time to recharge and maintain mental well-being. Free time becomes their safe space where no one needs anything from them. It's not avoidance; it's survival. What others see as flaky, introverts recognize as sacred. They learn early on that protecting their time is a form of self-care. That freedom to just 'be' without social pressure feels like a reset button. Their guilt-free cancellations aren't personal—they're essential. And they've grown comfortable honoring that truth. Introverts will always choose the comfort of home over the chaos of a crowd. A cozy blanket, a favorite show, and the quiet hum of a peaceful night are their idea of bliss. They don't experience FOMO the way extroverts might—they're perfectly content where they are. To them, staying in isn't a consolation prize—it's the jackpot. It's where they feel most like themselves. That safe space allows them to decompress fully. No forced conversations, no draining small talk, no need to 'perform.' They thrive in these quiet moments when no one is watching. In their world, home is more than a place—it's a sanctuary. And that's a luxury they never take for granted. For introverts, switching off their phone feels like reclaiming control over their time and energy. The constant ping of notifications isn't just annoying—it's anxiety-inducing. Studies show that digital detoxes can improve mental clarity and emotional regulation. Unplugging isn't avoidance—it's intentional peace. They find freedom in not being available 24/7. This space away from screens helps them reconnect with their thoughts. It creates room for creativity, reflection, and authentic rest. Introverts don't crave constant updates—they crave quiet. That silence helps them hear themselves again. And that clarity is worth every missed text. Small talk feels like running on empty for introverts. They'd trade ten surface-level chats for one meaningful conversation any day. It's not about being antisocial—it's about valuing depth over breadth. Conversations that skim the surface leave them drained rather than energized. They crave interactions where real connections happen. They notice things others overlook. Tone, intention, and authenticity matter more than topics like the weather. These observations make introverts excellent listeners and thoughtful friends. They'd rather say less and mean more. And that's a social strategy they'll never apologize for. Structure and predictability offer introverts a kind of peace others might not understand. Routine helps them conserve energy and avoid unnecessary overwhelm. Experts confirm that routines can help manage anxiety and create emotional stability. Familiar patterns give them a sense of control in an unpredictable world. They thrive when they know what's coming next. From morning rituals to nightly wind-downs, these habits ground them. They don't need grand adventures to feel fulfilled. The consistency of routine brings them joy in its simplicity. It's not boring—it's balancing. And it's something they fiercely protect. Introverts are natural deep thinkers with rich inner lives. They can spend hours unraveling ideas, solving problems, or simply daydreaming. Their imagination is a sanctuary where no one else needs to be invited. It's not daydreaming out of boredom—it's exploring possibilities others might overlook. This mental space feels like home to them. They turn over questions like stones, looking for new angles. These solo explorations feed their creativity and self-awareness. They're comfortable sitting in silence, letting thoughts unfold naturally. This inner world is often where their best ideas are born. And they wouldn't trade it for anything noisier. Phone calls feel like ambushes to introverts. Texting offers the time to think, reflect, and respond without pressure. Research suggests that written communication feels safer and more controllable to introverted personalities. They love the freedom to reply on their own terms. Quick chats don't drain them the way live conversations can. Texts let them communicate without the mental energy it takes to be 'on.' They can craft their words carefully instead of thinking on the spot. They're not avoiding people—they're protecting their peace. This form of communication honors their energy and boundaries. And they're happier for it. Solo movie nights are an introvert's dream come true. No conversations, no expectations—just them and the story unfolding onscreen. They relish the freedom to choose the film, the snacks, and the timing. For them, it's not loneliness; it's luxury. It's the kind of date they enjoy most—with themselves. They don't need anyone to validate this joy. Silence feels like a friend in a dark theater. They leave refreshed, not drained. These outings are a form of quiet rebellion against social norms. And they wouldn't have it any other way. Crowded spaces feel suffocating to introverts. They prefer environments where they can think, move, and breathe freely. Loud gatherings overwhelm their senses and drain their energy fast. They seek out the calm of quiet cafés, empty parks, and less-traveled paths. This isn't about fear—it's about comfort. Avoiding crowds allows them to stay grounded. They make intentional choices to protect their peace. Small, quiet spaces feel like sanctuaries in a noisy world. It's not avoidance—it's preservation. And it helps them function at their best. Nature's quiet is medicine for an introvert's soul. They feel most alive surrounded by trees, water, and wide-open skies. The absence of noise allows their thoughts to settle into something softer and calmer. Out here, they don't have to explain themselves or perform. They just get to be. These moments recharge them in a way nothing else can. Nature feels like a conversation they don't have to lead. They walk away with their energy restored and their spirit lighter. It's a reminder that solitude is a gift, not a punishment. And it's one they'll seek out again and again. Introverts don't mind slipping away with a book at a social gathering. It's not about ignoring people—it's about taking a breather. Books offer them a familiar escape in unfamiliar settings. Reading helps them reset without having to leave their current location altogether. It's their way of staying present on their terms. They know some people might see it as rude. But they've learned that their needs come first in situations like these. A good story recharges them faster than any conversation could. They emerge more centered, more themselves. And that's worth any side-eye glances. Introverts are expert observers. They notice body language, tone shifts, and micro-expressions that others overlook. Watching people interact is both fascinating and informative. They prefer understanding dynamics from the sidelines rather than being in the spotlight. It's their silent superpower. They learn more by listening than speaking. This habit deepens their empathy and insight over time. They don't need to dominate conversations to feel connected. Their quiet observations often reveal more than words ever could. And they wouldn't have it any other way. Introverts love spontaneous solo adventures. Whether it's a quiet hike, a museum visit, or a hidden coffee shop, these outings are their version of therapy. They don't need company or commentary to enjoy the moment. These little escapes help them feel unburdened. There's power in moving quietly through the world unnoticed. They don't seek validation through check-ins or selfies. These adventures are for them and them alone. They return with their energy restored, their mind clearer, and their heart lighter. It's self-care in its purest form. And it's a ritual they'll keep forever.
Forbes
18-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Build An Authoritative Personal Brand On LinkedIn Without Oversharing
Build an authoritative personal brand on LinkedIn without oversharing You don't need to post selfies or share personal struggles to win on LinkedIn. The LinkedIn algorithm rewards value, not vulnerability, despite the state of your LinkedIn home feed today. Introverts build massive followings by focusing on frameworks, methods, and results without the emotional oversharing that makes most professionals cringe. Your expertise wins over your life story. You can make the rules. I quadrupled my LinkedIn following in 2024 without sharing crying-in-my-car stories. No breakfast photos. No "here's me at rock bottom" posts. Just valuable information that made my ideal clients start reading and trust me as their guide. The right followers care about your insights, not your emotional struggle. Skip the overly personal stories that make everyone cringe and give your LinkedIn followers insights they can implement today. Consistently make them stop and think. Here's how. Your brain contains thought processes you use without thinking. The way you approach client problems. The questions you ask in discovery calls. The process you follow when building strategies. Write these down and turn them into content. When you document your approach to solving a $50,000 problem, your post becomes a masterclass. Break your method into numbered steps. Name each phase. Explain why you do things in that order. Your audience wants the blueprint. Keep a notebook during client work. Capture the exact moment you spot a pattern. Note the specific questions that unlock breakthroughs. These become posts that position you as the expert. Your methods matter more than your morning routine ever will. Your documented expertise show you've done the work. Write about the diagnostic question that saves clients six months. Share the spreadsheet template that catches hidden costs. Give them tools they'll use tomorrow. Your clients' transformations prove your expertise. Focus on the problem they faced, the solution you implemented, and the specific results achieved. Include the exact changes you made. Share the A/B test results. Break down the psychology behind why it worked. Add the email template that closed deals. Mention the three questions that revealed the core issue. Position yourself as someone who delivers results. If I covered up your name on your posts, would people still know it's you? Combine your personality with numbers. Your audience wants evidence as well as emotion. Give them specifics. Revenue increased, time saved, problems solved. Let your work speak louder than your life story. Share the calculation that proved ROI. Include the timeline that kept projects on track. Your systematic approach builds trust. Don't underestimate its magic. Every expert has signature approaches developed through experience. A five-step process for scaling operations or a diagnostic tool for identifying growth bottlenecks. Give these frameworks names. The SCALE method. The Growth Diagnostic Matrix. The Revenue Acceleration Framework. When you name your intellectual property, people remember and reference it. Create visual representations of your frameworks. Simple diagrams that explain complex concepts. Flowcharts that guide decision-making. Templates people can screenshot, save, and apply immediately. Include the edge cases. Add troubleshooting steps. Explain what to do when the standard approach fails. Make your digital assets scale your influence. Your inbox contains content ideas waiting to be shared. The questions clients ask repeatedly. The misconceptions you correct daily. Turn each question into a comprehensive answer that demonstrates depth. Go beyond surface explanations to reveal nuances only experience teaches. That pricing question you've answered fifty times becomes the definitive guide your industry needs. What is obvious to you is groundbreaking to someone else. And that includes your LinkedIn followers. You'll explain complex information in comprehensive answers that give breakthroughs to other people. This positions you as someone who's considered every angle. They bookmark and return when they need the solution. No sob story required. Your experience taught you which "best practices" waste time. Call them out. When everyone preaches daily posting, explain why three quality posts weekly drive better results. When the crowd chases vanity metrics, show why engagement quality beats quantity. Back your position with evidence from your work. Your contrarian takes demonstrate independent thinking that can't be faked or prompted into existence. Share the test that proved your point. Include metrics that support your stance. Pick battles that matter to your audience. Challenge advice that wastes their time or money. Include specific scenarios where conventional wisdom fails. Share the alternative approach you've tested. Explain implementation steps others miss. Your willingness to go against popular opinion builds trust with people tired of recycled wisdom. They follow you because you say what others won't. Give them permission to ignore bad advice. Your LinkedIn presence grows stronger when you focus on serving others. Create content that showcases your thinking, breaks down complex ideas, and solves specific problems your audience faces. Your dream clients want solutions to their problems. They follow people who consistently deliver insights, not those who consistently deliver personal drama. Your frameworks, methods, and results create the authority that attracts them in. Let everyone else chase likes with fake vulnerability while you build a following through actual value.
Forbes
30-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Networking For Introverts: Tips for Finding Quality Over Quantity
Effective networking goes well beyond small talk. getty Despite efforts by the likes of Susan Cain, author of the bestseller 'Quiet', to shed light on what it really means to be an introvert, misconceptions remain. In particular, the idea that introverts are shy and socially challenged has been a tough stereotype to shed. The problem for many introverts like myself is that no matter how good we get at understanding our brain's wiring and how to make it work to our advantage, we can still buy into what conventional wisdom says of what we should like doing or can. It doesn't matter how many enjoyable social experiences I have, the idea of doing them still causes some trepidation. But as I seem to realize repeatedly, attending the party isn't the problem; it's what you do there that determines your experience. Similarly, when people think of networking, images of chatty cocktail hours or awkwardly asking strangers for job leads tend to come to mind. 'Many people see networking as synonymous with asking for referrals. If this is your mental model, it makes sense to think that extroverts have a natural advantage,' Dan Freehling, an executive coach and the founder of Contempus Leadership, told me. To help introverts shed any of their own stereotypes about what it means to network well, I asked career coaches for guidance on networking ideas that get to the heart of both what introverts do well and what it actually means to be a good networker. The first step for introverts who feel like they are at an inherent disadvantage is to understand that networking 'is not about socializing, it's about learning from people who actually know what they're talking about so you can zero in on the right opportunities for you,' Freehling said. Sure, excelling at small talk might make for a smoother initial interaction, but effective networking depends on what happens from there. As Devora Zack, author of 'Networking for People Who Hate Networking,' writes, while 'extroverts collect a bigger stack of cards; introverts connect through deeper conversations.' 'My biggest networking tip for introverts is to change your metaphor. Great networking isn't schmoozing, it's detective work,' Freehling said. Getting comfortable with a new definition of networking is important because 'if you believe you're not good at networking, you're also going to put less effort in,' international career coach Simone Anzböck told me. This idea is rooted in psychologist Carol Dweck's research on fixed versus growth mindsets, as well as a 2020 study that applies this theory directly to networking. The main takeaway here is that good networking is not something you're born with. It can be learned, and some effective approaches may even favor the introverted among us. Much like small talk, introverts aren't the best at elevator pitches, either. But we are good listeners who tend to bring a genuine sense of curiosity to meaningful conversations. This is where Freehling's detective metaphor can make the process a whole lot more appealing for introverts, many of whom thrive in that kind of research-oriented work. A career coach once advised me to wear my journalist hat when networking, because it can and should feel like you're on a fact-finding mission. This shift in perspective can not only take advantage of your strengths, but also address a blind spot that many on the job hunt have. 'The real problem most job seekers face is that they don't know nearly enough about the sectors they're targeting and how to best present the value they bring. Networking is how you solve that,' Freehling said. When approaching a new connection, doing so with clarity, curiosity, and purpose can lay the groundwork for a conversation that's both enjoyable and contributes to your career goals. Keep it simple and have a clear ask, Kelsi Kriitmaa, a social impact career coach, advises. 'Don't just say, 'I'd love to connect,' say why,' Kriitmaa said. 'Are you curious about how they transitioned sectors? Want to understand how they landed their role? Looking for insights on your next move? Say that.' If you fancy yourself a considerate introvert, you probably overthink situations like this, worried that you'll be a bother. But according to Kriitmaa, with this approach, 'clarity isn't pushy, it's respectful of people's time and energy, and people are far more likely to respond to something real and specific than a vague message that feels like a copy and paste.' Whether you're an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, it's common to avoid thinking about networking until you find yourself looking for work. The problem, of course, is that good networking means building strong relationships, and this takes time. Therefore, part of your perspective shift should include adopting a 'give before you get' mindset, Kriitmaa said, which helps you to 'nurture relationships before you 'need' them, so that when the time comes to ask for support, advice, or intros, you've already built trust. It's called relationship equity, and it compounds over time.' Simple actions one could take on LinkedIn include congratulating someone on a new role or sharing an event they might not have seen. 'This isn't about being transactional, it's about being generous, early and often,' Kriitmaa said. 'Think about how you can connect people to one another, or how you can connect useful information to people,' Anzböck added. 'You should be thinking more about the long-term gain of the relationship.'
