INTROVERTS are especially vulnerable to challenges like marital tension, a parentโs death, or abuse. Theyโre more likely than their peers to react to these events with depression, anxiety, and shyness. Indeed, about a quarter of Kaganโs high-reactive kids suffer from some degree of the condition known as โsocial anxiety disorder,โ a chronic and disabling form of shyness.
Susan CainI worry that there are people who are put in positions of authority because they're good talkers, but they don't have good ideas. It's so easy to confuse schmoozing ability with talent. Someone seems like a good presenter, easy to get along with, and those traits are rewarded. Well, why is that? They're valuable traits, but we put too much of a premium on presenting and not enough on substance and critical thinking.
Susan CainWe know from myths and fairy tales that there are many different kinds of powers in this world. One child is given a light saber, another a wizard's education. The trick is not to amass all the different kinds of power, but to use well the kind you've been granted.
Susan Cain...if you can think of meetings you've attended, you can probably recall a time - plenty of times - when the opinion of the most dynamic or talkative person prevailed to the detriment of all.
Susan CainI'm continually amazed by how many people who appear to be extroverts are actually introverts.
Susan CainWe often marvel at how introverted, geeky, kid 'blossom' into secure and happy adults. We liken it to a metamorphosis. However, maybe it's not the children who change but their environments. As adults they get to select the careers, spouses, and social circles that suit them. They don't have to live in whatever culture they'er plunked into.
Susan Cain