Interesting talk by Susan Cain on introverts.
In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Susan Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated.
What does it mean to be an introvert?
Our culture extols extroverts. Outgoing, personable people are praised, while introverts are often derided as antisocial. But introversion is not what people tend to think it is. Introverts have skills that often are overlooked—and the challenges of introversion usually can be overcome.
Examples: Warren Buffett, Albert Einstein, Steven Spielberg, Eleanor Roosevelt and Mahatma Gandhi are among the introverts who have achieved incredible success.
Here I reflected on the significance of being an introvert or extrovert, though I think an introvert could behave like an extrovert and vice versa under different circumstances.
As a blogger who would prefer to meditate and reflect, I see myself more as an introvert, though when I am engaged in FB, Twitter, Google Plus, I could be behaving in an extroverted manner.
It seems that our society is encouraging its citizens to be more outgoing, being sociable, whether at school or at work, and thus lead a “good citizenship life” with good work.
Aren’t these the beliefs of many people in our society, not only in the US?
People view extroverts more positively than they do introverts. Extroverts are people who can be trusted. People are more likely to choose extroverts as leaders and in other authoritative positions because they represent intelligence and authority. Furthermore, people perceive extroverts as possessing excellent people and social skills. Social scientists, especially sociologists and psychologists mandate that man’s national status as that of a social animal who needs constant contact with people in order to thrive.
Introverts, on the contrary, are viewed more negatively by modern American society. Introverts are seen as psychotic people who have a personality defect.
Introverts seem to relate more with the great book readers, and would love to fantasize and imagine more in such lonesome exploration with stories and adventures. They may be closely related to professors, educators, researchers, librarians, doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, scientists, poets, certain artists (photographers, painters, performance artists), religious people, etc.
Extroverts seem to relate more with those great speakers, presenters, and social leaders and they would likely prefer to establish as many friends and connections as possible on FB, Twitters, various social networking or community platforms, and be perceived as sociable, friendly and admirable. This may be more closely related to the politicians, film stars, music legends, entertainers, and marketers, social activists, and social workers.
Photo: From Google image
In this post relating to introvert and extrovert, there are some interesting thoughts on how to get the most out of your introverted leaders and employees:
1. Don’t dismiss the quiet leaders
2. Think about the people they are leading
3. Make the office space and work day right for every one
What about your views and experience as an extrovert, or introvert?
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