Introverts love being in quiet environments and often feel the need to recharge their social batteries. As a result, there are many situations that leave an introvert exhausted. Let’s look at 17 situations or tasks that introverted people will most definitely find difficult.
Working in an Open-Plan Office
Introverts work best in their own space, which is usually encapsulated by four walls and a door. If an introvert is faced with a huge, open-plan workspace where there is so much activity right in front of them, they’re likely going to want to curl up in a ball.
Being Faced with Small Talk
Introverts are very capable of having in-depth discussions about topics that fascinate them or about their own interests. But expecting them to thrive with small talk is a big ask. Most introverts will find small talk shallow and far too much effort for a fleeting connection. They much prefer conversations that mean more.
Constantly Having to Socialize at Work
Peter Vogt for LinkedIn observes that “our culture regards being able to work well on a team far more highly than it regards being able to work well alone.” Many introverts feel as though they’ve failed at being team players when, in reality, the pressure to socialize and team up is not their best environment.
Speaking in Public
Even extroverts can get butterflies about giving a public speech. But for introverts, this is their very worst nightmare. Even a two-minute speech can be enough to drain an introvert of a day’s worth of energy, as standing in the spotlight with all eyes on them is not where they want to be.
Attending Large Social Events
Introverts much prefer smaller gatherings with a select few people they can engage with. The prospect of huge social gatherings instills introverts with fear. This is because it’s a sensory overload that will quickly deplete their battery. Not only that, larger social gatherings often mean people they don’t know.
Having to Answer a Question on the Spot
Introverts enjoy time to think and process information for the best response. Being asked something on the spot can often leave them feeling like a deer in headlights. This can result in a hasty answer that will leave them embarrassed or annoyed.
Attend Networking Events
One aspect of professional life that introverts aren’t going to enjoy is networking events. For introverts, this takes their original fear of small talk with strangers to the next level: they have to sell themselves to people who are going to judge them on their ability to communicate.
Multitasking in a Busy Environment
Introverts often work best when they work in a quiet environment, on one task at a time. Multitasking in a noisy, energetic environment is distracting and often stressful for them. This can also mean they deliver a lower quality of work than they would if they were working alone in a quiet room.
Taking a Leadership Role
Forbes explains that good leadership is often associated with extroverted qualities, such as being sociable and assertive. While an extrovert might thrive giving a rallying leadership speech, many introverts would prefer to contribute from the sidelines or lead from a behind-the-scenes position rather than heading a team.
Being Invited to Something Spontaneous
Introverts need time to plan and mentally prepare. This is why being presented with something spontaneous can often be a difficult scenario for them. If they’re invited to a party that’s happening later that same day, this is a nightmare. They need the predictable, and they need a good amount of notice.
Taking Part in Group Projects
Introverts work best when working on their own projects alone, which is why being thrust into a group work setting can be tricky for them. They often dislike the uncontrolled atmosphere of a group setting, with so many different ideas and personalities. It can feel a little chaotic for them.
Dealing with Conflict
According to PR Newswire, introverts are three times more likely than extroverts to avoid conflict. An introvert will avoid any direct confrontation that could become heated. They much prefer to deal with disagreements in a way that gives them time to process their words.
Being the Center of Attention
Ask introverts what they’d like to do for their birthday, and they likely won’t say a huge party with plenty of guests. Introverts don’t like being the center of attention, so even if they’re celebrating a huge personal achievement, they’d likely rather do it with a small gathering of loved ones.
Having Fast-Paced Conversations or Improv
Introverts won’t feel at their best if they’re engaging in a rapid-fire conversation or a timed exchange. An example of this could be an impromptu job interview or an in-person questionnaire. If an introvert is faced with many questions, they’re expected to improvise, which can leave them on the back foot.
Attend Regular Team Meetings
Introverts don’t often like jobs that require them to attend team meetings daily or even weekly. These meetings can be draining for them if they’re expected to present new ideas or contribute. Their best professional work can come from being given time in between to reflect and recharge.
Being Told Sudden Changes in Plans
Introverts value time to prepare and the knowledge of what’s ahead. If something they have prepared for now suddenly changes, they will find it difficult. Especially if the sudden change in plans leaves them no time to get used to the idea. Verywell Mind discusses how they’ll be more likely to cancel plans, too.
Being Asked to Speak Last Minute
And finally, as we already mentioned, being asked to give a speech is a nightmare for an introvert. But being asked to speak about something on the spot? Even worse. Having no time whatsoever to prepare is an upsetting situation for an introvert. It could result in them freezing up or, worse, panicking.