Susan Cain got everyone talking about the power of introverts with Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, which has been on the New York Times bestseller list for seven consecutive years. Her TED Talk has been viewed more than 30 million times and was named by Bill Gates one of his favorite talks. Introverts make up an estimated 50% of the population, but we dramatically undervalue introverts and in doing so, miss out on their immense talents. On this episode, Susan shares the biggest misconceptions about introverts, why we need more introverted leaders, and the shift she’s seen since releasing Quiet in 2012.
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Show Notes
- What inspired Susan’s book Quiet (2:08)
- How to define introversion and how it differs from shyness (4:20)
- Half of the world’s population is introverted (5:47)
- How to determine whether you are an introvert or an extrovert (6:08)
- The role of nature vs. nature in your preference (7:07)
- How fixed a trait is introversion / extroversion? (8:15)
- Why she changed careers from Wall Street lawyer (10:40)
- Why introverts make powerful negotiators (12:24)
- How the conversation has shifted since Quiet was released in 2012 (16:02)
- Why companies should re-think open-office and meeting culture (17:31)
- The value in chunking time to get things done (19:03)
- How introverts and extroverts can work better together (19:38)
- Tips to harness the talents of introverts on your team (21:35)
- The creative process requires solitude (23:15)
- The myth of charismatic leadership (24:39)
- How introvert – extrovert relationships can be complementary (26:03)
- How to engage intentionally on social media (28:18)
- Managing your energy as an introvert (29:40)
Resources / People Mentioned
- Quiet by Susan Cain
- Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverted Kids by Susan Cain
- Susan Cain TED Talk: The power of introverts
- Next Big Idea Club
- Do What You Are by Paul Tieger
- Deep Work by Cal Newport
- Why Jeff Bezos Makes Amazon execs read 6-page memos at the start of each meeting
- Think-Pair-Share strategy
- The Hidden Advantages of Quiet Bosses by Adam Grant
- The Essential Rumi by Jalal al-Din Rumi
- Waking Up by Sam Harris
- Mahatma Gandhi
Recommended For You
Did you enjoy this episode? Then listen to:
- Cal Newport on 3 Steps to Declutter Your Digital Life
- Adam Grant on Finding Motivation and Meaning at Work
- Celeste Headlee on Ways to Have a Better Conversation
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