Introverts get a bad rap. When it comes to famous and powerful individuals, it’s common to associate traits like being outgoing or extroverted with their success.
However, thriving as the center of attention isn’t actually necessary for becoming well accomplished in life.
In fact, there are many famous individuals throughout history (and even some of the biggest stars today) who are shy, quiet and prefer to live their lives out of the spotlight. Keep reading for famous introverts, from Eleanor Roosevelt to Albert Einstein.
The agile introvert: Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, known as a shy, awkward child, according to the official online White House biography fundamentally changed and expanded the role of the first lady through her active participation in American politics.
Eleanor Roosevelt advocated for expanded roles for women in the workplace, the civil rights of African Americans and Asian Americans, and the rights of World War II refugees.
Eleanor's passions pushed her into the spotlight. Not content to stay in the background and handle domestic matters, Eleanor gave press conferences and spoke out for human rights, children's causes and women's issues, working on behalf of the League of Women Voters. Introverts come in all shapes and sizes.
The active introvert: Rosa Parks
You’d probably imagine someone who refuses to give up their seat on a bus to a white man to be outgoing and extroverted. However, this was not the case with famous activist, Rosa Parks.
Author Susan Cain wrote in her book, Quiet: The Power Of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, “When she [Parks] died in 2005 at the age of 92, the flood of obituaries recalled her as soft-spoken, sweet, and small in stature. They said she was 'timid and shy' but had 'the courage of a lion.' They were full of phrases like 'radical humility' and 'quiet fortitude.’”
The phrases radical humility and quiet fortitude are the key to unlocking the secrets of the introverted leader. You don't have to be self-promoting or the loudest in the room to be a successful leader.
The analytical introvert: Bill Gates
Bill Gates, a larger-than-life member of the tech industry, is surprisingly a self-proclaimed introvert.
The founder of Microsoft may know a thing or two about being successful without having to be the most outspoken. When asked about leading in a world of extroverts, Gates stated that he believes introverts can do well “If you’re clever you can learn to get the benefits of being an introvert.”
The curious introvert: Albert Einstein
One of the greatest scientists in history, Einstein believed that his creativity came from spending time with himself. The physicist has often been quoted as saying, “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.”
Seeking and sharing knowledge does not have to be loud and rambunctious. There are those like Einstein that can show the world insight and innovation without being an extrovert.
"I went as an observer, not a participant, for I do not think that I ever spoke."
— Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa
How do I use this to be the best me?
It simply isn't true that introverts are worried and distressed in leadership situations. Leverage your strengths and your listening skills to lead by listening and forming deep connections with your team in a way that works for you.
Listen very well. Introverts, on the other hand, listen more than they speak. To those around them, introverts are loyal and dependable people; the friend who can keep a secret as well as they can keep a promise, often making them a go-to confidant in their circle.
Introverted but well-regarded leaders include Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, and Mahatma Gandhi. And beyond the anecdotal examples, there's solid research suggesting introverts are quiet, but powerful leaders.
Introverts gain energy from quiet reflection and isolation. Both personality types can be equally creative, passionate and articulate leaders. So, don't overlook the quiet ones in the corner. They may harbor just the leadership qualities your company needs to succeed.
In Matthew 14, we're told that Jesus “withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.” Later, Matthew tells us Jesus needed some alone time after feeding the five thousand. He “went up on a mountainside by himself...” So was Jesus an introvert? It's impossible to know for sure.
On average, introverts and extroverts are the same in terms of intelligence. But statistics show that around 70% of gifted people are introverts. People are considered "gifted" when they exhibit above-average intelligence or a superior talent for something, such as music, art or math.
Small talk: Introverts often struggle with small talk and may find it difficult to engage in conversations that do not have a clear purpose or goal. 7. Group work: Introverts may find group work challenging, especially when working with people they do not know well. They may prefer to work alone or in smaller groups.
Extroverts are fireworks—introverts are a fire in the hearth. Extroverts attract people who like razzle-dazzle—introverts attract people who want to bask in their warmth. Remember that, if you're looking for a one-and-only.
Elon Musk is the second wealthiest person in the world as of February 2023, making him the richest introvert. Is Jeff Bezos an introvert? Yes, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is an introvert.
Social scientists or research-based careers such as political scientist, anthropologist, economist, and urban planner are a good fit for academic-minded introverts. These careers may work independently or with teams, but they tend to offer a balance of both self-guided research and collaboration.
“In response to the initial question, we can therefore say that task-oriented, introverted people find constantly dealing with new tasks difficult because they want to do them properly. If you come up against an extroverted, dominant boss, this can lead to an overload and associated helplessness,” explains the expert.
The most underrated skill that successful people, especially introverts, have is the ability to write clearly. It doesn't matter what industry you're in. If you are a thoughtful and strategic writer, you'll be more confident in your interactions — in emails, public speaking or even just small talk.
If we really need to use labels, we may call most people ambiverts, whatever this means for any one individual. Very few people have such a high extraversion level that we could safely call them extraverts and equally few are pure introverts.
On average, introverts and extroverts are the same in terms of intelligence. But statistics show that around 70% of gifted people are introverts. People are considered "gifted" when they exhibit above-average intelligence or a superior talent for something, such as music, art or math.
Comedian and actress Amy Schumer positively oozes self confidence - and always seems like she'd be a great laugh to hang around with. For all that, she is happy to call herself an introvert at the same time. "Being an introvert doesn't mean you're shy," she wrote in her memoir, The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo.
It doesn't mean that introverts can't be successful. In fact, the list of successful introverts is long: Michael Jordan, J.K. Rowling, Christina Aguilera, Bill Gates, President Obama, Emma Watson and more. Here are 10 habits of successful introverts that I hope can help give you the confidence you need to be yourself.
Introduction: My name is Rev. Leonie Wyman, I am a colorful, tasty, splendid, fair, witty, gorgeous, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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