It’s not hard to spot an introvert–they are the ones reading a book in the corner at a party, or ordering a stack of frozen Celeste Pizza for One at Shaws.

Introverts aren’t crazy about crowds, many preferring the warmth and safety of the online cocoon. And why not? There’s endless amounts of learning and communication happening on the Web, and it’s as good a place as any other to pass leisure time. As a result of ample online hours, introverts tend to be naturals when it comes to all things tech–they make great online marketers, social media managers, etc.

The overbearing presence of extroverts can stifle creative energy–in a room full of loud chatterers, an introvert will have a hard time speaking up, even when they are holding an ace idea up their sleeve. Extroverts like to run the show, and can inadvertently overshadow other team members. Introverts, on the other hand, have no problem collaborating .

Researcher Adam Grant found that introvert leaders tend to deliver better results than extroverts because they tend to give employees a longer leash , letting them run with their ideas and see where their hunches take them. Extroverts, while well-intentioned, are often so excited about their own projects and ideas that they steamroll other team members in the process.

Extroverts gain energy from social stimulation and activity. Introverts, while often enjoying social activities and engagements as much as anyone else, need periods of solitude to recover. Introverts focus best and are most productive in quiet environments. While they treasure alone time, introverts enjoy spending time socializing with friends as much as any extrovert .

The majority of history’s most creative individuals are what we would categorize as introverts. Why? Because solitude is often an essential ingredient for fostering creativity. Great thinkers like Darwin or Thoreau would take long walks in the woods, or even retreat from society entirely for great lengths of time. Introverts need their periods of isolation to recharge their batteries, and it is in those quiet moments that inspiration often strikes.

Absolutely. They’re also to blame for global warming. Just kidding–of course extroverts are important, too! They make fantastic presenters, are incredible networkers, and will probably perform better in a meeting with clients than introverts.

Originally published in Inc.com