Introvert Nuggets

Back in the late 1980's I directed a high school production of The Outsiders, based on the book written by S.E. Hinton which deals with the challenge being part of the "have nots" as a teenager. The school production was a huge success, for it has been in the literary curricula and relevant to most teenagers.

One of the lines Ponyboy (the main character who is working through being respected while living life among hoodlums) dwells on is "all that glitters is not gold". Thelogians, philosophers and even literary bard William Shakespeare have written about distinguishing the loud from the valuable. This is a value of Ponyboys and one of the introvert as well.


I love the SE Hinton story and Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice where the glitter/gold idea is addressed, for I can relate to the challenge of feeling outside the realm of what society holds valuable. The introvert struggles with speaking in public for fear our pacing, deep thought and process-oriented temperaments will be unappreciated. Because so often it seems they are. Taking time to think through comments before we speak or decide is a value we hold dear. Yet many around us prefer quickness to conscientiousness - simply because that's who they are.

All that glitters is not gold. There are nuggets that don't glitter but quietly produce themselves. Whether the calm breeze, the chirping bird, the butterfly emerging from the cocoon. Consider the introvert having the same nuggets as these quiet forces of nature, and then consider aligning with them as vendors, service providers, clients or key networking relationships.

Introvert Nuggets
1. Introverts work well with others especially in small group and one to one. They maintain long-term friendships. They are responsible. Their concentration and ability to listen are extremely competent.

2. Introverts are independent. They are self-starters, disciplined and complete with follow-through skills many others cannot hold a candle to. Their conscientiousness makes their role on the team of extreme value. They increase the collective wisdom and integrity.

3. They are process-focused. Studious and smart, they help others understand concepts, they have structures and/or systems worth following and even contribute creative thinking. They are self-reflective, so when testing out processes, they will weigh all angles before deciding best approaches to apply.

Eventhough the introvert will not appear to glisten or glitter, aligning with them is golden. The Doer needs a Thinker. And when Doing is important, find the Thinker who helps you navigate through the process, who will build trust and work well with others. You and those around you will shine as a result.