BOOK REVIEW

published: 07 February 2017

doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00155

Book Review: Quiet: The Power of

Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop
Talking
Lesley A. Clack *

Department of Health Sciences, Armstrong State University, Savannah, GA, USA

Keywords: introversion, extraversion, personality, leadership, communication

A Book Review on
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

Susan Cain, (New York, NY: Broadway Books), 2013, 368 pages, ISBN 978-0307352156

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”—Mahatma Gandhi

This quote is an excellent reflection of the author’s focus in the book “Quiet: The Power of Introverts
in a World that Can’t Stop Talking,” by Susan Cain. The author discusses her view that introverts
are highly undervalued, particularly in leadership positions. She holds the belief that extroverts are
rated as “smarter, better-looking, more interesting, and more desirable,” and that introversion is
considered a “second-class personality trait” (Cain, 2013). Her perspective originates from her own
self-proclaimed status as an introvert and her experiences in the workplace. A common perception
does exist that extroverts are the most effective communicators, and thus, make the best leaders
(Bradley and Hebert, 1997). Research studies throughout time have consistently reaffirmed the
belief that extroverts are more likely to emerge as leaders, and are more likely to be perceived
as effective (Grant et al., 2011). Cain looks to dispel that belief and make an argument for the
importance of introverts as leaders. This book is a great read for introverted individuals aspiring
to become leaders, and for organizations seeking knowledge on how to provide a conducive
Edited and reviewed by:
Badri Bajaj, environment in which introverted leaders can be successful. This work has important implications
Jaypee Institute of Information for many fields that are heavily dependent upon good leaders, as great emphasis has traditionally
Technology, India been placed on the importance of extraverted characteristics for leadership success.
*Correspondence: The book was divided into four parts. Part One, “The Extrovert Ideal,” focuses on this concept
Lesley A. Clack that the author defines as “the omni-present belief that the ideal self is gregarious, alpha, and
lesley.clack@armstrong.edu comfortable in the spotlight.” She discusses the historical creation of the “Culture of Personality”
that shapes our view of others. The author gives examples of how organizations, such as Harvard
Specialty section: Business School, seemingly try to turn introverts into extroverts by equating such characteristics
This article was submitted to as speaking up in class with performance. The author also discusses positive characteristics that
Organizational Psychology, are attributed to introverts, such as creativity, and whether that is a true reflection. This section
a section of the journal
leads one to ponder the ethics of placing such attributions on individuals, whether introverted or
Frontiers in Psychology
extraverted, and the influence that can have on an individual’s success.
Received: 09 January 2017 Part Two is entitled “Your Biology, Your Self?” In this section, the author discusses the
Accepted: 23 January 2017
connection between temperament and personality, and studies that have examined the influences
Published: 07 February 2017
of innate, inborn temperament on personality type. She uses scientific evidence to explain her so-
Citation:
called “rubber band theory” of personality, meaning that we are elastic and can stretch ourselves
Clack LA (2017) Book Review: Quiet:
The Power of Introverts in a World
beyond our innate traits, but only within certain limits. The author also discusses the trade-off
That Can’t Stop Talking. theory and the things that are lost or gained by being either an introvert or extrovert. Warren
Front. Psychol. 8:155. Buffett is used as an example of an individual that used his introvert qualities to his benefit to
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00155 become successful and powerful.

Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 1 February 2017 | Volume 8 | Article 155

Clack Quiet: The Power of Introverts

Part 3, “Do All Cultures Have an Extrovert Ideal?” examines In the Conclusion, entitled “Wonderland,” the author urges
the idea that the Extrovert Ideal is an American standard that is readers to be true to their self, and to put themselves in
not typical in other cultures. The author states that other cultures situations that play well with their personality, rather than forcing
do not emphasize traits, such as class participation, as a measure uncomfortable situations. As she eloquently puts, managers
of success. Gandhi is discussed as an example of a classic introvert should “make the most of introverts’ strengths—these are the
that found power in his shyness. This leads one to think about people who can help you think deeply, strategize, solve complex
whether we, as a society, focus on personality traits too much as problems, and spot canaries in your coal mine.” These are
a measure of an individual’s capability of success in certain work definitely qualities that are valued in leaders in many fields. This
environments. book offers new insights and will serve as a valuable source of
Part 4, “How to Love, How to Work,” discusses the information for management professionals. In addition, it helps
idea that we shift our personality traits based on the to shatter the belief that extroverted individuals are superior
situation that we find ourselves in. The author also discusses and provides a much needed change in perception for introverts
the attraction between individuals of opposite personality hoping to become leaders.
types, as well as the potential difficulties in communication
between introverts and extroverts. The author concludes with AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS
a discussion on how to foster traits such as depth and
sensitivity, rather than trying to force introverted children to be The author confirms being the sole contributor of this work and
extraverted. approved it for publication.

REFERENCES Conflict of Interest Statement: The author declares that the research was
conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could
Bradley, J. H., and Hebert, F. J. (1997). The effect of personality type on be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
team performance. J. Manage. Dev. 16, 337–353. doi: 10.1108/026217197101
74525 Copyright © 2017 Clack. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms
Cain, S. (2013). Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking. of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or
New York, NY: Broadway Books. reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor
Grant, A. M., Gino, F., and Hofmann, D. A. (2011). Reversing the extraverted are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance
leadership advantage: the role of employee proactivity. Acad. Manage. J. 54, with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted
528–550. doi: 10.5465/AMJ.2011.61968043 which does not comply with these terms.

Frontiers in Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 2 February 2017 | Volume 8 | Article 155