Personality types make fascinating discussion and can cause unnecessary misunderstandings. Perhaps the most misunderstood personality is the introvert: quiet, timid, keeping to themselves. The way they show up brings an air of mystery about them that leaves others guessing. Let's stop the guessing and get the record straight, so work can proceed and misunderstandings be prevented. Read on for what you need to know about the introverts in your life. (How do I know? I am one!)

Introverts are not broken or have something wrong with them.

Just because we are different doesn't mean we are flawed. In a world of diversity, personality diversity has yet to reach its full stride. Everyone is trying to be like everyone else, which only reinforces the notion that if you aren't "that way," then something must be wrong with you. Not so! Introversion is normal and healthy. It's simply different. That's all.

Introverts don't want to be like the rest of the population.

Most introverts are happy being the way they are and don't want to have a "personality-ectomy" to be like anyone else. So we are not the bubbly, overly interactive type. That doesn't mean we are miserable being the way we are. Simply give us room to be different and be ourselves, naturally.

Introverts are social.

Yes, despite how it appears on the outside at times, we are social beings. We just want to do it our way. That means smaller groups with a higher degree of known people to strangers. Also, familiar settings help put us at ease. If we are there, you can find us on the edge of networking events enjoying others who are more like us.

Introverts are strong, just in different ways.

Can you ever remember thinking that someone was just "too sensitive?" It likely was one of us. Sensitivities show when we have been with others for too long without a break or doing more than we can handle at once. These situations can cause us to get overly reactive, often without warning. It usually surprises us as much as others. Yet, given conditions that are more under our influence, we can endure long hours and emotional trials under which others melt down. Go ahead and try us. We will amaze you!

Introverts have much to contribute.

Yes, it's true. Introverts are as much needed to deal with world and business issues as with relationships and human ones. We connect things in our own unique ways, lending new perspectives that yield new alternatives. If you ever feel stuck on something, go find an introvert to hear you out and you will discover different options.

Introverts can accomplish many things.

I know, we are not the fastest people. Still, we act with purpose, stay steady on task and rarely waste a step. That's why I believe we accomplish so much more than other types who can get caught up flailing all over the place doing too many things at once, often without enough focus for any of them. They are the hare; we are the tortoise. If you recall the fable, the tortoise wins. Oh, and about those deadlines? Make sure we have plenty of notice ahead of time.

Introverts can take risks.

While it is rare to find us on the edge willing to jump without question, we can risk. Our cautious nature wants to know more about what is going on, where we fit in, how things will go and the like. Give us these assurances and you will get back a dedicated player who will fight until the end.

Introverts can do something about what they dislike.

It's not take it or leave it. Introverts can learn to change their own circumstances for the better, wherever their personal discomfort lies. It is not about becoming someone they are not, but simply learning new skills tempered with self-acceptance. It's a powerful combination of inner-outer work that is a pathway to transforming their world. (I know because I've done it.)