Cabin Fever: Tapping into the Introvert Within

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This summer I moved from a town of 115,761 to a town of 735. There are days when I think there may be more moose and mule deer here than people.

As we made the decision to transition from the fast-paced environment of Southern California to the tranquil Rocky Mountains, my husband voiced a significant concern: How would I, an extra-extrovert, handle the quiet? The solitude. The social isolation. The lack of traffic and the removal of external stimuli.

Personal Insights:

Three months in, and you might be surprised to learn how this change has transformed my perspective. As someone who thrived on the hustle and bustle, I've found more space to walk, write, create, and reflect. My calendar is no longer filled with nonsense, and I'm more intentional about engaging fully. My B.S. radar has heightened. And thanks to this, my core values of curiosity, courage, and adventure are thriving.

A Shift in Perspective:

Have you ever felt the need for a change, or are you curious about navigating a significant shift from an extroverted to an introverted space, or vice versa?

Do you traverse both environments in the course of your daily events?

• Extroverted Spaces: These are environments where there is a higher degree of social interaction, stimulation, and external activity. For example, a crowded nightclub, a busy city street, or a lively social gathering can be considered extroverted spaces. They are typically associated with a lot of external stimuli and social engagement.
• Introverted Spaces: In contrast, introverted spaces are characterized by quieter, calmer, and more contemplative settings. Libraries, nature reserves, quiet cafes, or a peaceful corner of a park can be considered introverted spaces. They are conducive to introspection, deep thinking, and solitude.

Susan Cain's Insights:

"Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking " by Susan Cain explores the value of introversion in a society that often celebrates extroversion.

The book discusses the "Extrovert Ideal" that is prevalent in Western culture, which places a high value on assertiveness, social skills, and outgoing personalities, often to the detriment of introverts. Cain argues that introverts possess unique qualities, such as deep thinking, creativity, and empathy. She shows how introverts often excel in roles that require these qualities, including leadership and innovation. She also emphasizes the value of solitude and introspection for introverts, as it allows them to recharge and tap into their creative and problem-solving abilities.

After reading this book, I wrote an ode to Susan Cain and committed to never making a team do trust falls or cheesy teambuilding activities again. I also shifted my workshops to give time and space to participants. No more wild hullabaloos. Instead, a balanced environment for genuine connection, deep introspection, and meaningful collaboration.

Our schools and workplaces often have an implicit bias towards catering to extroverted preferences. We've structured our educational systems and office environments to be 'charged up' for those who thrive in extroverted spaces, sometimes unintentionally sidelining introverts. However, the recent shift to remote and hybrid work and learning arrangements has provided us with a newfound appreciation for alternative approaches. These flexible setups have allowed introverts to flourish in their own right, emphasizing the value of diverse work and learning styles.

Takeaways for Individuals:

So as I sit here in the woods today, looking out the window at the towering pines, I have a few ideas on how we may be more effective individually and as we lead others:

1. Self-awareness: Begin with understanding your own personality traits and working style. Recognize whether you lean more towards extroversion or introversion and how this influences your productivity, communication, and collaboration.
2. Adapt to Your Surroundings' Rhythm: ?Take a moment to consider how your surroundings influence your pace, priorities, and overall lifestyle. Aligning our routines with our environment can help us find greater harmony and fulfillment in our daily lives. It's an opportunity to better understand how your surroundings shape your day and allow you to embrace the unique cadence of your life.
3. Be Intentional About Creating Your Ideal Spaces: Whether you're introverted and seeking solitude for focused work or extroverted and craving collaborative settings, consider how your surroundings can be tailored to support your needs.

Takeaways for Business Leaders:

1. Practice Individualization: Recognize that the strength of a team lies in celebrating and cultivating individual strengths. Instead of trying to fit team members into predefined roles, practice individualization. Understand who each team member is, value them for their uniqueness, and work to draw out the best that already resides within them. When each team member's individual strengths are harnessed and appreciated, it contributes to a more diverse and dynamic team, driving innovation and productivity.
2. Cultivate Diverse Workspaces: Provide a variety of workspaces within the office, from open collaborative areas to quiet zones, so that individuals can choose where they work most effectively. This should also include offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options, to accommodate different working preferences.
3. Foster Balanced Teams: When forming project teams or assigning roles, aim for a balanced mix of personality types. Encourage collaboration and idea-sharing while respecting individual working styles.

I still remember Susan Cain’s TED Talk , The Power of Introverts, watched by 33 million people. She opened her suitcase packed full of books along with a concept that truly struck a chord.

And so, I'll leave you with her three calls to action, which are more profound than any words I can offer:

1. "End the madness of constant group-work. (Applause from the audience.) Offices need chatty conversations, and great spaces to make?serendipitous?interactions. But we need much more privacy, and more autonomy. The same is true — more true — for schools. Yes, teach kids to work together, but also how to work alone.
2. Go to the wilderness, be like Buddha. Have your own revelations. You don’t have to go build huts in the woods and be isolated, but we could all stand to unplug and be in our heads for a time.
3. Take a good look at what’s inside your own suitcase, and why you put it there.” Extroverts, whose bags might be filled with Champagne bubbles and sky-diving kits, grace us with the energy and joy of these objects. Introverts probably guard the secrets of their suitcases, and that’s cool. But?occasionally, just occasionally, I hope you will open the suitcase up.. because the world needs you and what you carry."

LoyaltyCraft ?was built out of a passion for helping companies create meaningful customer experiences. Founded in 2016 by Lauren Feehrer CCXP, we focus on strategy, qualitative research, customer design, and employee engagement to help mid-market companies open the door to new customers and keep existing ones from leaving out the backdoor.