Introvert or Extravert
In my March 15th newsletter, it was pointed out to me by a friend and reader: “A theme I've noticed in your emails is how you represent the traditional ‘extrovert’ narrative. Also, as you probably know, extroverts control most of the narrative in modern American society”. Our dialogue made me realize the issue is a serious one that impacts all aspect of life, and how little is being done to address it.
Myths:
Extroversion and introversion are two opposite ends of a spectrum. (In fact, both are the way one gets and puts out energy and are on a spectrum. There are ambiverts who fall in the middle.)
Introverts are shy and extroverts are outgoing.
Extroverts draw their energy from the outside world. They:
Enjoy working in groups
Find it easy to express themselves
Are drained by spending time alone
Enjoy networking
Introverts sometimes get a bad rap as being shy or socially awkward and won’t make good leaders. They:
Consider things carefully
Prefer to avoid conflict
Are good listeners, visualizers, and creators
Want time for themselves
Enjoy more intimate gatherings
Researchers have found that introverts have a higher blood flow to their frontal lobe than extroverts do. This part of the brain helps remember things, solve problems, and plan ahead.
Introvert brains also react differently to dopamine (pleasure chemical) than extrovert brains do. They have the same amount of the chemical, but extrovert brains tend to seek the buzz. Introverts achieve the buzz but need breaks from it.
Some Introverts
· Albert Einstein
· Simon Sinek
· Elon Musk
Some Extroverts:
Bill Gates
Michael Jordan
Opera Winfrey
My friend also pointed out that, as recently as WWII introversion was considered a mental/psychological disorder; extroverts write most of the leadership books; our educational system honors extroverts.
Both extroverts and introverts need to be themselves! The words silent and listen both use the same letters, but to achieve either we must quiet our thoughts, or we will miss what others are saying. Embrace the brilliance of each other’s nature, pause from the chaos of the day and be present. Use my 5R’s to process and increase change, creativity, innovation, and problem solving.
This is a subject that is not being addressed in the DEI community the way it should. What we all seek is to belong.
There is, of course, much more that could be covered on this subject. If you want to learn more, contact me.
