Carmella Merzo, graduate of the Sookio Bootcamp 2021 and a self-proclaimed introvert, presents the benefits of having both introvert and extrovert personalities on a creative team. Find out how your business can benefit from these mixed approaches.

Between a third and a half of people in the world are introverts.

But our society and institutions have evolved to favour and reward extroverts. Although a handful of our world leaders and artists have broken the mould; think Gandhi, Newton, and Theodor Geisel a.k.a. Dr Suess who all preferred to see the world sparkle in their own solitary bubble.

If you’re like me, an introvert with an ambition to flourish in the creative industry but don’t know how or where to begin, then I have gathered some tips that should help you ‘shake the world’ in your own unique and gentle way.

Defining introversion and extroversion

Before we dive in, let’s first understand what these two terms actually mean.

Without getting too bogged down on the science, Susan Cain, subject expert and author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts, defines introversion and extroversion as the way individuals respond to stimulation. Extroverts tend to thrive in highly stimulating environments while introverts prefer the opposite.  

Introversion is also often confused with shyness and social anxiety. However, Cain argues that introverts can also perform sociable activities like delivering presentations and networking perfectly well, but afterwards needs to retreat and re-energise on their own. Simon Sinek, British author and motivational speaker, simply describes it simply as: An introvert loses energy from social interaction while an extrovert gains energy from it.

There is also no such thing as a perfect introvert and extrovert as we lie on a spectrum that can move at either end or there are ambiverts who succeed at both.

So, ask yourself. In what situations do you feel most comfortable and alive?

The beauty in ‘Solo Flights of Thought’

Our schools and workplaces have evolved to create highly stimulated environments that can be difficult for introverts to unleash their creative talent.

Introverts are typically not driven by their ego or desire for the spotlight, but by their immense dedication to their goals and beliefs.

Of course, this blog isn’t meant to compare one as better than the other but to highlight the crucial balance of both in the workplace. For example, in an agency, extroversion is just as important in building rapport with clients, stakeholders, and colleagues especially during virtual meetings.

Both traits should be equally valued and encouraged. Introverts should be allowed to let their ideas run wild in their own comfortable space instead of trapping them in group-oriented scenarios that can make them feel out of place and be seen as problem cases. But “solitude is a crucial ingredient for creativity”, says Cain, who explains that it can lead to wonderful solo flights of thought.

And as Sue Keogh, founder of Sookio, perfectly puts: ‘A great team is made up of all personality types. It would be exhausting if the whole company was full of loud and shouty folks, you need the quietly confident ones for balance too!’

Helpful top tips

Here are 5 top tips that, as an introvert, I’ve picked up along the way:

1. Use your strengths!

Don’t shy away from your strengths and instead utilise this in honing your craft!

Our observant nature means that we can reflect and pay attention to the finer details of our work, listen better to the ideas of others, and maximise our creative potential.  

2. Know which situations can be challenging for you

Everyone is different and as I mentioned earlier introversion is not fixed, so it’s important to know which situations can be challenging for you - whether it’d be during meetings or just before a client pitch.

For example, I tend to get nervous before class presentations, but have learnt that if I prepare my notes beforehand and practice, practice, practice, then I feel calmer - and even enjoy the experience! Find strategies that work well for you.

3. Build meaningful relationships

If networking events aren’t your thing, then organise one-to-one meet-ups with friends or colleagues. 

As a coffee lover, I personally enjoy visiting cafes or going out for lunches. It’s where I can comfortably share and exchange my ideas and nurture great relationships with friends. This was quite tricky when the pandemic hit, but Zoom or FaceTime calls work just as well. So why not give it a go?

4. Create a downtime schedule to help you recharge

If you know you have a busy week ahead, keeping your schedule organised can help you allocate time for yourself. Know which hours you’re most productive in and when you’re not.

I find that I work better in the morning and so try to get my work done then. But I always need to set a few minutes aside for myself to either pick up a book, go for a brief stroll or simply observe my surroundings. This way I feel refreshed and more energised to keep going.

5. Embrace extroverts

There shouldn’t be any divide between introverts and extroverts. Understand that both have their own unique set of strengths that are essential for a team to be successful. Cain says that ‘we need a yin and yang between the two.’

I have a few friends who are extroverts and I find them very admirable. Plus, it’s good to keep ‘em by your side during parties! Why not apply tip number 3 with someone you know who’s an extrovert?

Is there a place for introverts in creative teams?

Absolutely! There’s no right or wrong way of approaching your work, whether you feel energised at big gatherings and bustling environments or prefer quiet, mellow places where your ideas can freely wander.

Embrace your introverted qualities, try the tips mentioned above and remember: Being an introvert is not a flaw but a gift.

This piece was written by one of the students on our second Sookio Bootcamp, a week of remote work experience for 20 young marketers. Read the other blog posts about BBC Tokyo Olympics and Dove Reverse Selfie campaigns.