You guys were way off base with your description of introversion! As other commenters have said, introversion and shyness are not the same thing.
The example of describing someone who is inherently afraid to speak up in meetings as an introvert is way off base. That's shyness or social anxiety. Assuming the two always go together is just plain wrong and harmful to introverts. I think this kind of generalization helps perpetuate the idea that there's one good way to be - outgoing and loud - and that everything else falls into the "weaker" category. It's possible to be an introvert and a natural leader in meetings when called upon.
Check your facts!
