7 Jul 2012

Book Review - Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking.

My team sat for a meeting with our boss. Pressing issues had to be discussed. As soon as the 1st issue was pulled up, one team member started voicing her opinions loudly – what SHE FELT had gone wrong, what SHE FELT could’ve been done, what SHE FELT should be done... When anyone else stated their opinions, she either interjected or continued on that point. It was as if those had been her points all along. No one was spared! Not the boss, not any of us; everyone was interrupted; everyone kept listening to her ranting. I lost interest within a few minutes and started making mental notes of tasks to be completed that day. So a frustrating 90 minute meeting ended with precious little to take away.
I have a bad reputation of shooting down people who interrupt me (figuratively, not literally). It has landed me in trouble, so I now refrain. But what about the others, some of whom had good ideas? Why did they keep listening to hollow words? Have you experienced something similar?

Some prefer speaking after thinking. On the other hand, many choose to think WHILE speaking. That’s SUICIDE! However, notice that the latter get their way often, even if they have a proven track record of leading things straight off a cliff. Susan Cain looks to address this aspect of humans through her book ‘Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a WorldThat Can’t Stop Talking’.

Susan, an outright introvert, states that 1/3rd of the world’s population are introverts, concentrated mainly in Asian countries. USA, on the other hand, has the largest number of extroverts. Today, the world prefers ‘men of action’ to ‘men of contemplation’. So extroverts rule the roost. Does she hint at this being the reason why USA dominates world politics?

Quiet: The Power of Introverts
Introverts, according to Susan, are those who take time to react to social stimuli. No! They’re not intellectually challenged; quite the contrary. They gauge pros and cons before taking action, hate small talk, prefer to be on the sidelines… they’re most likely to curl up reading a book instead of socializing regularly. But they’re not shy or antisocial. Susan gives an example of former Harvard Professor Brian Little who is exuberant when he speaks to an audience, but prefers solitude when it’s time to recharge his batteries. Shyness may be one aspect, but it’s not necessary. Strengths of introverts are analysis, observation, simplification & clear thinking, listening, smarter spending, valuing friendship and believe it – leadership! Research proves that most leaders of successful organizations lack ‘charisma’ and are genuine introverts.

Most bloggers are introverts, selective in expressing their emotions. We (yes, I am one too) feel the world can’t understand us; maybe it really can’t. Our friends, colleagues, family members can’t see things from our perspective. That frustrates us, even miserable. We sometimes feel reproached for the way we are. But we’re not alone!

The author says that introverts and extroverts are forever in conflict. The latter find it hard to comprehend why the former won’t hang out with friends every evening. Their reactions sometimes make introverts question their own behavior. This is evident at Harvard Business School, where gregariousness is chosen over brilliance. Reserved students find it hard to adjust to the exuberant environment, and often endure peers’ and professors’ disappointment. All this because they’re not FORCEFUL enough in group discussions and activities.

Susan says this concept of group work (she calls it Groupthink) is a sham. Brainstorming & teamwork have been a hit with the majority lately, but the bulk of these sessions are unproductive. Creativity blossoms in solitude. Van Gogh, Moses, Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton, Michelangelo, Stephen Hawking and more recently Steve Wozniak, Guy Kawasaki, Pete Cashmore (CEO – Mashable.com) – they’re all introverts. They preferred solitude and came up with their brightest inventions when they were alone. Introversion led them to achieve astounding results.

Unlike Dan Goleman’s ‘Emotional Intelligence’, Quiet doesn’t dwell on how introverts’ and extroverts’ brains are wired… it isn’t filled with jargon. Instead, it is filled with soothing and mellow diction. Each chapter features interesting stories of introverts who have achieved because of this trait (and not despite it). We’re also educated on ways to handle relationships which involve both types and make them coexist.

Quiet isn’t a country specific book; it addresses the world. It proves that the 2 main personality types are introversion & extraversion. All traits can be classified under these. I wonder if animals display these 2 core traits too. Quiet is based on a subject very few have delved into, but heavily impacts all our lives. It’s revealing – it aids people to see introverts in a different light, while it helps the latter connect. It gives us introverts the ‘AHA’! feeling and leaves us nodding feverishly in agreement. The only thing Susan may be guilty of is not patronizing extroverts. But I tend to agree with every example she gives, having experienced a lot of what she talks about.

Susan Cain passionately exhorts us to realize and tap into our inner strengths. Most introverts simply live without understanding what they’re capable of as introverts. Quiet has further increased my confidence and made me comfortable in my own skin. I used to think something was fundamentally wrong with me; I now realize I’m just a strong introvert. This book makes me feel equipped to develop my capabilities and encourages me to stay true to myself. I got a chance to thank the author, and she graciously responded.


 
Getting nominated for awards is probably a very long and elaborate process. It's likely that introverts like Susan will lose out to market savvy authors. But this book deserves a lot more accolades than it gets. It’ll change the way people look the world. Anyone nominate this for the Nobel Prize?

Those who want to know more, check out Susan Cain’s TED Talk on Quiet here.

This post has been published by me as a part of IBL; the Battle of Blogs, sponsored by WriteupCafe.com. Join us at our official website and facebook page.
www.indianbloggersleague.com
www.facebook.com/IndianBloggersLeague 

34 comments :

  1. It's simplyyyyyyyyyy awesomeeeeee!!!!!

    A great post , well-justified...

    Good luck!!! :) :) :)

    Way to go AMDAVAD!!!! ^_^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, girl! Your post has given the team a DISHA to head towards :)

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. Thanks bro. Up for addressing some social issues? :)

      Delete
  3. Like the title of the book, the review itself has a "Quiet" about it, a certain weight, a manifest seriousness, and a peculiar introspective feel about it... the review fits the book like a glove fits a hand... I've no doubt IBLers across teams will find this a superlative read. Great work!

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  4. This is not really in my genre but your book makes me want to check it out. You see - off the cyberspace, I am quite an introvert too!

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    1. Thanks Debdatta. You must be an introvert ON the cyberspace too. Introverts are not shy. That's the misconception this book look to clear.

      Pick this one up & you'll sprain your neck nodding. Plus, you'll realize there is a lot more to introversion than speaking less. You'll probably thank your stars for being one :)

      Delete
  5. Congrats Vishal for this insightful review. This makes me want to pick this book for myself and my kids.

    What I liked best is, you loved the book enough to tweet to the writer. Her reply to you is so cute, that should get you brownie points :))

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Ghazala. The book has a chapter dedicated to managing relationships between introverts and extroverts. People understand each others' traits. Your kids, husband and you will benefit greatly :)

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  6. Very well written..!! What I love most about the review..is I can almost feel your enthusiasm through your words..can understand the extent of the impact of the book on you..!! :)

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    1. Thanks, Ms. Thinktank. What are you, an introvert or an extrovert?

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  7. I just realized I am a pseudo extrovert! Like to be in the company of others but when I need to deliver results, I prefer solitude! It is almost like I get lost within myself to come up with answers to what questions are before me. Super Work! Now 'Quiet' is definitely on my 'to read' list. VEry well done indeed.

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    Replies
    1. Sounds good, Vinita! Looking forward to your review :)

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  8. The 2 lines for it :
    "Ah, how could I miss on this one ?
    This has made blood through my veins run!!"

    Would love to read a book that provides an insight of oneself and goes on to describe yourself! Thanks for the review. Well written review! :)

    All the best for IBL!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Nandini. One indeed discovers more about oneself through the book. Plus she/he gets insights into how the world functions.

      Enjoy it if you can while you recope :)

      Delete
  9. You have succeeded in instilling interest in the reader about the book and the subject handled by the book. I loved the way you analyzed the book and at the same time giving your own insights creating a personal feel to the review.
    Way to go Vishal :)

    And the topic of introversion deserves a lot of discussion. We'll do that sometime :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks BK.

      Yup, we'll take this discussion up on Writeupcafe.com chat sometime soon :)

      Delete
  10. I could very much relate to this book. I will probably pick it up some time.

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  11. A very good review Vishal! I am going to pick up the book for a read I think, especially because this is the only book I have heard of so far that actually distinguishes between shyness and introversion.

    Best wishes from Kolkata Knight Writers. :)

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  12. Books like this one are best avoided for two reasons:
    1. They consider research that would hardly link to the Indian way of thinking and living and is based on stats that are not relevant to this sub-continent. This is faced by most books in the management genre too.
    2. Nobody ever reads such books and they generally remain on book-shelves nursing some bloated egos.

    The review is, at best, mundane and drones around like a lost child.

    Arvind Passey
    www.passey.info

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  13. Congratulations on a good review and being the top scorer in round 1

    An interesting choice of a Book. Liked the review and will love to check out the book :)

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  14. Thanks Aabha, Lucifer and Sudeshna! Yes indeed, do check out the book and let me know your thoughts too :)

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  15. Thanks, i was looking for a recommendation for my next pick, got it from you.
    Is the Book out in Libraries, any idea?

    Yr Excerpt has been to the point and crisply written, as a reader, its easy to make a decision basis the introduction given by you.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Viyoma :)

      Doubt the book is available in libararies; it's a 2012 release and not many people think this topic is important.

      The book, however, will give you a new way of looking at the world. One to keep in your collection for good :)

      Delete
  16. Very Nice Review Vishal. I normally get hooked to fiction and read no-fiction only once in a while. This one seems to be pretty interesting. Will try it out when time permits. Being an introvert is a blessing. For one you dont blurt out things in a frenzy that you would regret later about. Basically you are more in control of your words. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jayshri. You're spot on in your analysis of introverts :)

      Delete
  17. A very apt review Vishal!

    Hey I've tagged you in a post: http://rujutax.blogspot.in/2012/07/ive-been-tagged.html

    Do check it out!

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  18. Well, Introverts surely have a voice after all! Nice work Vishal for voicing your opinion about the book and its concept :)

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  19. helow Vishal, your blog was nominated for the Liebster Award!! Check it out at http://renalapaisano.blogspot.com/2012/07/liebster-award.html

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Vishal,

    I was recommended your blog by a colleague. I really enjoyed going through your book reviews, very apt! Would you be interested in reviewing books from Random House?

    I'd love to hear back from you, do let me know and we can proceed accordingly. Connect with me at rukunk@randomhouse.co.in

    Best Regards,
    Rukun

    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi,

    I stumbled across your blog and really enjoyed your reviews. I am a publisher (2 novels published) in search of identity and would feel privileged to get reviewed by you.
    I will be happy to send a copy to you (soft copy or hard copy. Whichever you feel convenient enough). Let me know if you are interested.
    I’d love to hear back from you. You may contact me at mallam.nareshgoud@gmail.com

    Best Regards,
    Naresh

    ReplyDelete

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