Sometimes it's really hard to tell why people are the way they are, especially coworkers or managers. There are so many different factors that go into a person and who they are. However, even understanding a little about that person will help build comradery and a productive work place.

What introversion is, and what it isn't

There's a common misconception about introversion. It goes something like this: introverts are shy, quiet, underconfident, delicate creatures who hate being around other people, are heading for a lonely old age and who will likely die sad, regretful, and alone. Fortunately, the truth is rather different. Introversion isn't about social confidence, it's about what energizes us, and about where we focus our attention.

Carl Jung originated the concept of introversion way back in 1909, as referring to people who prefer to focus on their inner world of thoughts and feelings, where extraversion refers to people who prefer to focus their attention on what's happening in the outside world. Notice that word 'prefer'. Introverts can and do engage with the outside world, typically very successfully; but given the chance, they prefer to spend more time in their inner world. If they can't do this, they will eventually need to go and spend some time on their own to recharge their batteries.