The “fit” factor seems essential whether you are a finalist in a job search or are in a job trying to fit in with your coworkers or into an organization’s culture. Over time we have become a society where qualities like being outgoing, outspoken, collaborative and even high energy have become desired traits in job candidates and employees. So it begs the question – what about the other half of the population that tend towards contemplation, reflection, soft spokenness and individual contribution – where to they fit?
Too often intoverts try to morph into the popular status quo, only finding themselves exhausted by the battle to conform to a style that is counter to their core. Introverts tend to be creative, great listeners, innovative and empathic. One would think that these qualities too have their place in the world of work.
It all comes back to employers value on diversity in the workplace, and creating an environment that not only values the diversity of age, gender and ethicity, but also values the diversity in style, tendency and perspective. Not everyone does their best work in pods or on teams. The best ideas do not always come from those most outspoken. And fitting in shouldn’t be defined by who attends the after hours office gatherings.
Companies can make enormous strides in the area of talent acquisition and performance management, and employee satisfaction and engagement by creating a work place where both introverted and extroverted employees thrive. They then would have the best of both worlds.
