The Introverts Dilemma, is IT the right place for them?
Juan Davila
Software Engineer | .NET | C# | Education | Finance | Web Development | JavaScript | Fullstack
To speak in terms of personality, introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts, have to handle situations differently. We seek attention or we don't, we want some attention though half the time we do not. Being around other people is vital to human survival and essential for communication. However, we all approach this differently, which is what makes us individuals.
How can one speak better on this? Well, we should take our time. We as creatures are motivated by different things and different values.
So are introverts in a dilemma when comes to the people-to-people world? Let's think though, many famous people as mentioned on Inc.com come from introversion such as Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks and Warren Buffet for example.
Lets also think about the characteristics of an introvert for a moment. Introvert means to turn inward. They are often quiet and don't require a lot of stimulation. The have a high level of arousal, in other words they are sensitive to stimuli. This further means they are able to collect a lot information about an environment and the people within rather quickly. They need time to recharge after this, which can be draining for the introvert; he or she often prefers places of quiet or calm refuge.
This is a great personality trait to have for someone in Information Technology, STEM or any technical field, as there is massive amount of critical thinking involved. Though the dilemma is that some or most people do understand introversion and yet misjudge it for shyness still. This is quite incorrect, it is simply a preference for thinking over talking, doing over speaking whilst being constructive and creative at the same time. We need to remember how important it is to treat those in the technical field with a bit of grace, even if they do not speak much they are creating almost all the things we need to survive. We cannot take that for granted when we believe these personalities are difficult to work with. This means that working with these personalities will only become cumbersome, if and only if we do not think about the benefits of having such a personality work for you or for a company that truly garners growth.
So their is no wonder why some of the most creative and great innovators of the past and present are introverts. So the answer is yes, introverts are perfect for IT and any of the creative pursuits we desire to make the world a better place.
If you like to learn more about introversion visit the Quiet website's The Introvert Test, a short 10 question test evaluating introversion, extroversion or ambiversion; which is quite an intriguing reflection on who we are. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking coming from the well renowned book written by Susan Cain.