“The quieter you become the more you can hear.” — Baba Ram Das
I spent years and years battling my quiet temperament, trying to become the extroverted personality that it seemed everyone wanted me to be. It was not until I paused for a moment to appreciate the natural strengths that quiet people possessed, that I was able to embrace the person I was.
In a world that often values extroverted, action-oriented characteristics, such as chatty communication skills and busyness, characteristics in which quiet people excel are often overlooked and forgotten. These characteristics, however, hold a heck of a lot of value. Here are 8 characteristics in which quiet people shine.
1. Quiet people know how to really listen.
How many times have you found yourself in the midst of a conversation with a colleague, friend, or romantic partner only to look over and notice a glazed look in their eyes and that they’re not really listening to the words you are speaking? If you’re anything like me, a heck of a lot. In a world that rarely stops talking, its rare to find someone listening with quiet intensity to every word you speak. Enter, quiet people.
2. Quiet people are keen observers. They don’t miss much.
In such a fast-paced world, it’s rare to find a reflective, keen observer. Quiet people, however, with less time spent chatting, have more energy to invest towards observing situations and people. Ask a quiet person their thoughts on a situation or person and you may be surprised to receive an extremely reflective and thorough answer. Less talking translates to more reflecting and observing.
3. Quiet people think before they speak.
“I am a minimalist. I like saying the most with the least.” — Bob Newhart
Ever had the experience of engaging in a work discussion with colleagues? The quiet man or woman in the group, who hardly ever speaks suddenly interjects. What’s the response? The whole room listens. With less time spent talking, quiet people have the time to really think before they speak. In this way, they not only offend few, but also take the time to make sure that what they are saying has true substance. Because they are so selective with words, when they speak, it seems like the whole world stops to listen to what they have to say.
4. Quietude makes them approachable.
With their quiet, relaxed temperament, quiet people are often viewed as fantastic confidants. They are often the ears that others run to for advice, respected for their good listening skills, calm temperament, and cautious words.
5. In the midst of alone time, great productivity is born.
Many quiet people are also introverts, who become charged from alone time. Free from the distractions that often come from being around people all day long, quiet people are able to accomplish a lot with their quiet focus. It is not uncommon to observe a quiet co-worker, alone in his or her office for hours at a time eschewing a quiet focus.
6. Quiet people rarely intimidate others.
With their lack of loud words and exaggerated actions, quiet people rarely offend others in their presence. It’s rare to see a quiet friend speak rashly, or a quiet co-worker reprimand a boss. Because they don’t intimidate others in their presence, they often make others feel at ease.
7. Quietude exudes calm.
Ever had the experience of approaching a calm, quiet co-worker over a stressful project? Before you knew it, your entire attitude probably changed as their relaxed temperament rubbed off on you. Quiet people tend to have a calming effect on others.
8. Quiet people embrace solitude and all its benefits.
“The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.” — Albert Einstein
In a fast-paced world, the quiet ones are often forgotten. But more often than not, they are the writers, artists, musicians, and creative thinkers who find their greatest inspiration from one thing and one thing only: solitude.
What are your favorite characteristics of quiet people?
