Does being an introvert make you less likely to have a successful career?

Question

think about it the higher up you go int the corporate ladder the more social you have to become, the more you must be able to negotiate and assertively state your position to avoid being looked over or taken advantage of. from merging with the right people to develop a network to getting along amicably with your co-workers and gaining their trust and respect, to conflicts with bosses over pay rises and promotions, every part of employment (at least anywhere that requires a college degree) demands that the individual be able to carry him/herself with a certain level of social class and capability. Do introverts have the short end of the stick here? Is a natural inclination to move away from people and towards solidarity and shyness a disadvantage in the employment market where being sociable is almost an expected trait?

Answer 1

Depends on which type of career.

Of course, when it comes to climbing the corporate ladder, you will have to be sociable.

But when it comes to artistic careers, I don't see photographers & painters being extrovert.

I am very sure there is one thing which will cause you to have a less successful career : PESSIMISM.

Answer 2

Yes. With certain careers.  Certainly, playing the corporate political game requires sociability.

Solution: choose a career that doesn't require social game-playing. And, learn to bypass some of the introversion.  It's hard to exist in this society without some social interaction.

I would highly recommend going to the website below, registering and taking the test for free, to determine your personality/temperament type, which includes introversion vs. extroversion.   The learn about the careers that fit best with your temperament type.  The test has been developed and perfected for decades and is very accurate, as long as you answer the questions truthfully and accurately ("don't give 'em answers you think they want").

http://kts2.personalityzone.com/user/reg...

     Once you've taken the test, go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myers-brigg...  and scroll down to the paragraph titled: "Type dynamics and development" and look to the right at the rectangle titled "The Sixteen Types" and find your four-letter type and click on it, and read about yourself!  If you answered the questions on the test honestly and accurately, you'll be amazed at how well you're described!

There are two good books, by the same author, that can help you take this further, careerwise:

http://www.amazon.com/Please-Understand-...

AND

http://www.amazon.com/Please-Understand-...

Answer 3

There are pluses and negatives as an introvert.

On the plus side and employer knows that you are going to be at work, at your desk WORKING, and not at the water cooler socializing.  You are able to focus more than the social butterfly.

I am married to an introvert and she just retired from a successful 30 year career and went through many promotions.  Having said that, she managed to learn how to "fake it" and when I tell someone she is an introvert, they can't believe it.  It's like someone claustophobic and grits there teeth (silently) while riding an elevator.

You will always be an intorvert, however there are many organizations that can help you overcome some of the characteristics of one to help you cope within an environment you talk about above.  The first one that comes to mind is Toast Masters. Public speaking is intimidating for most everyone and in particular an introvert.  They can help you overcome this and with that, you will overcome lots of the issues you are fearing as you go up the corporate ladder.

Hope this helps you.

Answer 4

Absolutely.  No exceptions.

Answer 5

Career success is defined in different ways.  In the description you provide of the basic executive culture, there are likely more extroverts, since there is quite a bit of networking and interpersonal interaction involved.  However, there are just as many high end jobs where introverts enjoy success.  Introverts also tend to listen more, and thus make better transformational leaders.  So I think it depends on the sector.