Passion for work among introverts should not be underrated
In a series of studies involving over 1,800 working adults, it was found that supervisors often rate extroverts higher on passion scales due to their behaviours aligning with the stereotypical image of a passionate employee. However, this misperception overlooks the passionate contributions of introverted employees, who often express their passion in less visible ways.
Joseph Campbell once said that passion moves people beyond their shortcomings, failures, and beyond themselves. This sentiment holds true for both extroverts and introverts, as a comprehensive study found that passion is not exclusive to extroverts. In fact, introverts can be just as passionate about their work, if not more.
The root of this misperception lies in how extroverts and introverts express emotion. Extroverts tend to externalise their feelings, while introverts internalise them. As a result, the visible behaviours associated with passion, such as animated speech, energetic gestures, and social engagement, are often equated with passion. However, employees were asked to describe how they typically express passion, with many highlighting internal, less-visible actions like spending extra time on work, deep focus, or striving for high quality.
Recognizing that introversion and passion are not mutually exclusive allows teams to appreciate the quieter flames that fuel exceptional work. To effectively recognize and reward passionate introverted employees, managers should adopt a thoughtful approach.
One strategy is to provide Behavioural, Explicit, Strengths-based, and Timely (BEST) feedback. This helps introverts understand specifically what they're doing well and how it contributes to the team's success. Another approach is to offer private recognition, such as private meetings or handwritten notes, which respects their preference for privacy while still acknowledging their contributions.
Flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, can also be beneficial for introverted employees, allowing them to work in environments they find most comfortable and productive. Providing opportunities for professional growth through courses, workshops, or mentorship can be especially meaningful for introverts if it aligns with their interests and helps them build skills without placing them in excessively social situations.
Desk surprises, such as personalising workspace celebrations for milestones or achievements with items related to the employee’s interests, create a memorable moment that respects their individuality. Idea incubation recognition, where introverted employees are recognised for their innovative ideas by naming initiatives after them or letting them lead the implementation, publicly shares the results company-wide to validate their contributions without necessarily subjecting them to a lot of social attention.
Finally, allowing introverted employees to direct company donations to causes they care about aligns their work with personal values and shows recognition of their interests beyond work.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively recognise and reward passion in introverted employees, fostering a work environment that respects and values their unique contributions. It's important to remember that passion can be quiet and still be powerful, and to not equate volume with value. Burnout is not a sustainable sign of dedication, and overworking should not be equated with passion. To reduce bias and create a fair environment, managers should initiate open discussions with team members to understand how each individual naturally expresses enthusiasm, and collaborate to find appropriate ways to express passion.
- The study also revealed that passion in the realm of health and wellness, such as mental health, can be observed in introverted employees, as they often internalize their passion and express it through actions like deep focus and striving for high quality.
- In the broader context of lifestyle, it's essential to acknowledge that fashion and beauty, as well as cooking and food & drink, can be areas where introverted employees might demonstrate their passion, through personalized workspaces or the innovative ideas they propose.
- To foster a holistic approach to workplace wellness, managers should be aware of the role passion plays in the health and wellness of their introverted employees, and consider strategies like providing BEST feedback, private recognition, or opportunities for professional growth that respect their preferences and individuality.
- By adopting these strategies and promoting a workspace culture that values and appreciates the quieter forms of passion, organizations can encourage a stronger sense of engagement and commitment among their introverted employees, ultimately leading to enhanced productivity and overall success.
