Adam Grant’s Post

A lot of truth in this! I always tried to motivate introverts to share in group projects or team meetings, but I have noticed over time that it isn't a shy thing; it's a selective speaking thing. It's common for the quietest people in the room to have the best ideas because they take the time to look at the problem from multiple angles. Meanwhile, you have a bunch of extroverted brainstormers throwing everything at the walls until something sticks. Both types of people are essential for well-rounded teams as long as leaders get them in the right spot for success!

What I find challenging is that even the idea of complexity and thinking still leaves a LARGE chunk of people in the margins. What makes a thoughtful voice? A "big/complex thinker?" Not always. What are we perceiving when we hear a "confident" voice? Too varied to narrow down. There are loud and thoughtful people. There are masking confident people (the fake it til you make it thing), there are humble braggers and self-dismissing experts. Maybe we could stop categorizing voices and thoughts altogether and connect with folks one at a time instead. I'm always wary of confidence...because I'm never entirely sure if it's a front for insecurity. But when I actually connect with someone, instead of dismissing them based on how they sound, then I can find out. Perhaps a confident voice or a certain-sounding voice needs more time to simply be an authentic voice...which means social safety, positive regard, and curiosity instead of judgment. Maybe a quiet voice is just a quietER voice that hasn't been give any airspace. I know lots of confident, kind, empathic loud(er) people. And I know a lot of quiet, anxiety-ridden, self-doubting people, as well as a mix of all of those traits too. All of them have value.

I totally agree! Confident or assertive voices make people feel comfortable and give the impression of competence. This is often the case, I don’t think it’s a bad trait as long as they can listen to others. Some cannot. It’s problematic when introverts that are likely equally capable with unique perspectives get drowned out by both/either the broader audience or sometimes the dominate personalities. The group as a whole lose out on valueable insight in that case. Be who you are, just share the discussion space and don’t take all the oxygen out of the rooom.

Agree with your point but smooth talkers, the outspoken, assertive voices will always be deemed as the more valued personnel of any organization. My career has spanded long enough to see that the confident talkers -- not the thoughtful ones, not the diligent doers -- will always be a step ahead. Hell, even the recruitment process puts more emphasis on who's the better talker. ("Nail the interview! Figure out the rest later..") I do not see this attitude shifting in any work environment, anywhere, ever.

I think this is a great observation which unfortunately took me a long time to learn. I've learned to not always trust the confidence that people project in the workplace. I've also learned to get to know people who are more reserved and quiet and to listen to their ideas. While learning how to communicate is a valuable tool, it is NOT a replacement for knowledge and experience. I also like Frederic's point about the Kruger-Dunning Effect. This is a real phenomenon and shows how important it is to draw out ideas from people because they may be the ones who are underestimating their ability to contribute while the loudest person in the room is grossly overestimating their abilities.

Yes, still water runs deep.

You can't really categorise people this way... Personality is complex and traits can overlap. Every trait is on a spectrum & we barely ever get to fully understand each other. An individual may come across as overconfident, or thoughtful in a single conversation but that doesn't necessarily mean they're always like that. Some people reflect on what they do and adqpt to different environments or learn from mistakes they make when being overconfident. Maybe the "loud voice" goes home, reflects and realises that there is a lot they didn't understand... I feel like you'd have a hard time finding those "thoughtful" people when you don't put in the effort to actually get to know people in private and see how they talk/act in different situations over a longer period of time... Some people open up & share their thoughts quickly, others take their time or don't open up at all. This has nothing to do with either group's competencies. I guess it's a lot better to place people in comfortable environments and get to know them than psychoanalysing them from a distance. Those who talk more definitely talk more bs, but there may still be some thoughtfulness behind their words so don't judge too fast.

After reading several of the comments, I find it interesting how different people are responding to this post. Some seem offended, and defensive in their responses, while others seem to feel heard by this statement. Because it is a statement and not a question, the post invites arguments by default. But I don't think it was meant to spark a negative response. I do think it was meant to merely open the eyes of those who may blindly follow the smooth talkers and might not always notice the quiet thinkers. I personally agree with this statement, but there's absolutely something to be said for assertiveness. And I think smooth talkers can also be complex thinkers. I believe we can all learn something from both types of people, but ultimately, it's what's behind the words that matters most. I think this post is a perfect example of how we are often quick to judge and speak without thinking much at all, and how that can spark negativity and defensiveness. What would it look like if we made a bit more space for thought before responding, and if our responses were not so self-centered, but more focused on connecting with each other in a positive and encouraging way?

problems need time to be solved. those who have a problem solving mindset will think about the situation to find a solution. the most common style of meetings is in this way that manager shares the problem with employees and expects a solution. while employees with problem solving mindsets are thinking representers share their opinions and then manager passes to the next subjects. while the best way is to share the problem with employees before the meeting and give them some time to think about the possible solutions. in this way you'll hear more unheard voices and you'll receive more effective solutions. but the problem is that fear of not meeting the deadlines almost always overcomes and manager will forget about the importance of actually solving the problems.

There is too much emphasis and pressure on people to behave in a particular way. In order to fit such standards, we are just creating clones . Instead of respecting your own uniqueness and originality .Extrovert or introvert none is better than the other. Confidence is an over hyped and abused term .We should steer more towards self assurance, where you accept who you are and do great things the right way. Instead of borrowing personalities from other people or self help books and end up with twisted mindsets. What ultimately matters and helps you in every aspect of your life is wisdom.