In the competitive world we live in, Cain explains, there is pressure to stand out in a crowd. There is an expectation that being dominant will lead to success. As a result of this “Extrovert Ideal,” workplaces and classrooms nowadays are often uncomfortable for introverts, who are frequently left feeling overlooked or disrespected. Collaborative brainstorming sessions are the norm. Talkers are considered smarter. Workers strong “ people skills” are praised, and “open plan” offices are common. While the assumptions that extroverts have better ideas or make better leaders are simply not true, introverts’ valuable contributions are nevertheless likely to go unnoticed.