Just recently Time magazine ran an article on the power of shyness or introversion. Having read it, as well as seeing there's a book about it, it's good to know that finally, more people are getting it.
I am an introvert but not excessively so. Just that I'm not really the sort to talk a lot or talk loud. I can start conversations but I don't feel like I necessarily have to. When I do, it means I'm being polite/considerate and approachable. So if you feel I don't talk much, don't be offended, that's just how I am. For the likes of myself, there's a time and a place for such things. I don't mind when others are loud especially when they're funny. But if you're loud but not funny, only annoying, unprofessionally noisy and disturbing others at work, and bitchy, well, don't expect me to enjoy being within hearing distance from you. Lol.
Anyhow, other similar articles and comments have sprung from such a topic. One of which posted: "It's OK to cross the street to avoid making small talk." Believe it or not, I have crossed the street to avoid making small talk. Lol! But mostly because the people I crossed the street away from are the ones (former colleagues) whom I'd really not make friendly chitchat with. Time is gold, and it's best spent doing things we enjoy and spending it with people we like or respect. hehe.
And another apt quote by Lao Zi: "Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know." Lao Zi, don't you know it! Hehe! It's just unfortunate that a more extroverted American culture permeates corporate workplace culture such that uninformed managers with less experience tend to think that the more vocal and "out there" you are, then you are a good "leader". I beg to disagree. I laugh because case in point: this quote applies precisely to someone I had the unfortunate opportunity to work with.
