Mind Management Angela May

Introvert or Extravert? Does your working style suit your type?

INTROVERSION versus EXTRAVERSION

You have probably heard these terms before. In case you haven't, whether you are an introvert or an extravert determines how you react to interactions with other people.

Introversion or Extraversion is a fundamental facet of your personality that can't be changed. This is a continuum, and every person falls somewhere on the spectrum - to be highly introverted is to be hardly extraverted -  you can't be both.

Before we continue, I'd like to dispel some myths about this personality trait:

• Introversion/Extraversion is NOT a measure of how many friends you have
• It has nothing to do with shyness or social skills
• Neither is good or bad, both have advantages or disadvantages

Knowing whether you're an introvert or extravert is a key component to ENERGY MANAGEMENT, as will become clear.

INTROVERTS: "predominantly concerned with and interested in one's own mental life"

An INTROVERT is content to be alone, and finds dealing with other people draining. They don't necessarily want to be alone ALL the time, but if an introvert doesn't have enough 'alone time', they will feel overwhelmed.

• Introverts tend to be more reserved, and keep a small circle of intimate friends.
• Introverts are not necessarily shy but may prefer activities that they are alone for (reading, art, working on something by themselves)
• Introverts don't tend to enjoy small talk, but enjoy deeper one-on-one conversations with those they already know
• Typical introvert jobs: artist, writer, engineer, composer, and inventor

EXTRAVERTS - "obtain gratificiation from what is outside the self"

An EXTRAVERT feels invigorated when around other people, and finds being alone draining. They love meeting new people. Extraverts feel that they have failed if they haven't met every single person at a party.

• Extraverts prefer group activities
• They tend to think out loud, "talk things through" to come to their conclusions
• Typical extravert jobs: Politics, teaching, sales, managing, brokering, and acting

If neither of these brief descriptions sound like a dead ringer for you, you might fall somewhere closer to the middle of the spectrum, or you may be an ambivert:

AMBIVERTS - People who exhibit tendencies from both groups. Ambiverts are comfortable with groups and also enjoy alone time. They don't find people or solitude particularly draining.

If you think you are an ambivert, I recommend that you find and take a quiz online, as it's not a typical result. (I've only ever met one that I know of!) Most will be at least slightly introverted or extraverted, and it is a useful thing to know.
Here is a test you can take. it's kind of long and ads-y, but it seems safe and it doesn't force you to register.
http://www.queendom.com/tests/access_page/index.htm?idRegTest=697

KNOW YOUR SIDE

I must stress that neither trait is good or bad, but it's important that you know where you fall on the continuum, so you can diagnose when problems getting things done may be attributed to this particular personality trait. If an introvert feels drained, they might need alone time. If a extravert feels drained, they might need to go out to meet some new people. The cure for one is the poison for the other.

Once you know your side, it's important to learn how to take advantage of its strengths and compensate for its shortcomings. Both sides have advantages to success: introverts are comfortable with the laser focus needed to finish amazing things. Extraverts can easily form the important connections that get them where they need to go. Remember, you can't change your type, but you can teach yourself to act outside it.

Are you trying to force yourself to do something you're not naturally inclined to do?

Are you an extravert and trying to succeed in a traditionally introverted role, like writing? You may be struggling because writing demands that you be alone for significant periods of time, which you find draining. Similarly, an introvert will struggle in roles where a lot of personal interaction and social manipulation is required, like sales or politics. You can't help it if your passions don't match your type (not all brilliant writers are introverts - hardly!), sometimes finding the path to success is as simple as changing the way you work.

An extravert writer might find a writing group invigorating. They may 'write' by speaking in an animated session with their co-author, or seeking out dozens of interviews. Working in the company of others (like in a studio) may be another way to compensate, but it might also end up being distracting. You'll get much closer to your goals when you're not forcing yourself to 'thrive in solitude'... which is difficult for extraverts.  Similarly, an introvert salesman might do better writing letters instead of going door-to-door!

Recognize what charges you and what drains you

The introvert who has been dragged to seventeen parties this month might feel completely exahusted... the extravert partner can't figure out why! Once you know the cause, the cure is easy.

Recognize it in others

If you need a decision from someone, it's useful to try and guess whether they are an introvert or an extravert.  An introvert might come to a decision more quickly if you would just stop talking to them and let them think for a moment - they find conversation draining. They might respond better if you put the request in writing. An extravert will require that you phone them, or help them 'talk the decision through'. It's especially important to recognize this personality trait in your closest friends and partners.

Introvert or Extravert: you may not be able to change who you are, but once you know it and own it, you'll be able to use your trait to your advantage!