How much of an introvert are you really? And what impact could it be having on you at work?
- Matt Mostyn
- 20 hours ago
- 4 min read
Introversion isn’t about being shy. It’s actually about energy.
Have you ever finished a day of meetings, chats, or networking feeling drained — even when everything went well… and wondered why? If so, you could have introverted tendencies, and you’re far from alone.
In workplaces that reward visibility, fast talking, and constant engagement, people whose energy is wired differently often end up confused, frustrated, or quietly exhausted. But here’s the truth: introversion isn’t a flaw, a label, or a limit — it’s a way of functioning that has both strengths and challenges.
Let’s unpack what introversion actually means, help you figure out where you sit on the introvert–extrovert spectrum, and explore how your tendencies might be influencing your work — for better and worse.
➤ What introversion really is
You’ve probably heard people call themselves 'introverted' because they don’t like parties or are quiet in groups. But that’s only scratching the surface.
Introversion, as originally described by psychologist Carl Jung, refers to where your energy is directed — whether that's inward or outward. Introverts typically focus energy on their inner thoughts, feelings and ideas, whereas extroverts direct energy more toward the outside world and external stimulation.
More importantly for most people, introversion is fundamentally about where you gain and lose energy:
Introverts often expend energy (and can feel drained) in social, high-stimulus environments.
Extroverts usually gain energy from those same interactions.
This isn’t about being shy, quiet, or awkward. It’s about energy regulation and stimulus tolerance. That’s why after a team meeting, an introvert might need quiet time to recharge, while an extrovert feels invigorated.
➤ Take the test: Where do you fall on the introvert–extrovert scale?
Curious to see where you land? The following quick quiz helps you assess your introvert tendencies. No need to overthink it – just go with your gut and answer 'true' or 'false'.
I prefer one-on-one conversations to group activities.
I often prefer to express myself in writing.
I enjoy solitude.
I seem to care about wealth, fame, and status less than my peers.
People tell me that I’m a good listener.
I’m not a big risk-taker.
I enjoy work that allows me to “dive in” with few interruptions.
I like to celebrate birthdays on a small scale, with only one or two close friends or family members.
People describe me as “soft-spoken” or “mellow.”
I prefer not to show or discuss my work with others until it’s finished.
I tend to think before I speak.
I often let calls go through to voice-mail.
If you answered the majority of questions TRUE, you probably lean more introverted.
If you had 6 of each, you’re near the middle and would need a more formal assessment to see which way you lean.
If you had more FALSE answers, you probably lean more extroverted.
If you'd like to do a more in-depth assessment, the Myers Brigg Type Indicator (MBTI) is one of the most research-based tools for assessing where you fit on an introvert-extrovert spectrum. It’s also a great way to understand other parts of your personality, such as how you make decisions, and how you get things done.
➤ How introvert tendencies show up and impact you at work
If you lean toward introversion, here are some common ways it shows up — and what that might mean for your career:
You feel drained after social time
Meetings, large group discussions, networking, and even back-to-back conversations can leave you feeling depleted rather than energised. This isn’t reluctance; it’s just how your nervous system responds to stimulation.
You think deeply — which is a strength and a challenge
Introverts often excel at reflection, analysis, and seeing patterns — but it can also mean you overthink before you speak, or find spontaneous responses difficult.
You might underplay your contributions
Quiet thinkers often produce high-quality work that goes unnoticed because workplaces tend to reward louder voices and quicker, outward expression — not deeper contemplation.
Group dynamics can feel overwhelming
Fast-paced discussions or dominant personalities can make it hard to interject, even when you have valuable insight.
Burnout can come faster
Because you don’t naturally recharge from group energy, constant sociability without breaks leads to fatigue quicker than many of your colleagues expect.
This doesn’t mean introverts can’t succeed — far from it. But it does mean understanding how your wiring interacts with workplace norms is key to thriving without burning out.
➤ Practical tools you can try immediately
Here are some tactical strategies that introverts can use to show up more fully without forcing extroversion:
1. Schedule recovery windows
Just as you schedule meetings, schedule short breaks between social-heavy blocks to recharge.
2. Prepare speaking points ahead of time
Introverts often communicate best when they’ve had time to reflect. Draft what you want to say beforehand so you can express with clarity and confidence.
3. Use written communication wisely
Emails, Slack, and thoughtfully crafted messages allow you to communicate intentionally — which, remember, is a strength, not a fallback.
4. Set boundaries around your energy
It’s ok to decline social invites when you need space. Prioritising your energy isn’t selfish.
5. Leverage deep work blocks
Protect blocks of uninterrupted time for focused work. This is where introverts often shine.
➤ The mindset shift that changes everything
Instead of thinking, “I need to be more extroverted to succeed,” try reframing it as:
“I need to understand and leverage how my energy works.”
When introversion is reframed as a strategic advantage — depth of thought, focus, listening skills, intentional communication — it stops being a limitation and becomes a source of power.
➤ If you want support doing this at a deeper level…
I run a coaching program specifically for professionals who identify with introvert tendencies — people who want to grow, lead, and show up confidently at work and in life without forcing extroversion.
In this program, we work on:
Communicating and leading in ways that feel authentic
Managing your energy so you don’t burn out
Being seen, respected, and heard without needing to be loud
Rewriting how you show up, so your work feels sustainable and energising instead of costly
Whether you’re feeling invisible, misunderstood, or exhausted by extrovert-led expectations, there’s another way.
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