Quiet
The power of introverts
in a world that can't stop talking
Susan
Cain
In this
wonderful book the author strongly advocates to understand introverts better
and give them suitable opportunities to flourish. This will not only benefit
them, but also the company where they work and the society in general.
The book gives
insight to essential difference between the personalities of Extroverts and Introverts
and how both have an important place in the well-being and growth of society.
Extroverts are
sociable and outgoing. They like to interact with others and enjoy being in the
spotlight. In search of success, extroverts are prone to excitement and
euphoria. They need acknowledgement from the people and strive for quick
successes.
Introverts, in
contrast, prefer to be in calm situations and like to think long and hard about
things. The introvert’s tendency to concentrate on experiences and sensory
stimuli enables them to effectively undertake and complete artistic and
intellectual projects.
While extroverts
tend to have many superficial acquaintances, introverts prefer fewer, albeit
deeper, friendships. Extroverts tend to like noise and need stimuli, whereas
introverts mostly prefer to be alone and think.
Many introverts are
highly sensitive, often responding strongly to their environment.
The vast
majority of introverts are highly sensitive. Extroverts, on the other hand,
rarely possess this characteristic. Highly sensitive people process information
from their environment in a very thorough way. Tragedies and cruelties also have
more of an emotional impact on them.
Introverts have
a strict moral conscience: they know how their behaviour affects others and
they take their mistakes very seriously. It means a lot for them to be seen
positively by others, which makes it unusually trying for them to meet new
people.
This sensitivity
also helps us differentiate between introversion and shyness: shy people are
afraid of negative judgment, whereas introverts just prefer quiet environments
with little stimulation.
The difference is cerebral: introverts’ brains show a
stronger response to external stimuli.
We all feel comfortable in different situations. Everyone has their own definition of comfort zone and these definitions can have stark differences.
Our reactions are controlled by brain’s emotional
switchboard – amygdala. It is where our sensory organs send every stimulus received
from the outside world to determine our response about it. The amygdala of
high-reactive people is extremely sensitive. These people prefer
low-stimulation surroundings, such as libraries, and mature as reserved and
thoughtful personalities.
On the other hand, it is difficult for the people with
low-reactive brain, seek out more stimulating environments, eventually becoming
nonchalant, lively extroverts.
Introverted children
are like orchids: they only thrive in the right environment.
Not only biology
and genetics shape our temperament, our experiences over the course of lives do
too. Extroverted children thrive just about anywhere and are virtually
incapable of being thrown off track. Introverted children however, in a
supportive environment, flourish whereas in the wrong place, they close up.
Parents can better
attend the needs of their introverted children by treating them with respect
and empathy and engaging with them. It is crucial for parents to recognize their
child as an introvert and to understand uncomfortable situations he or she
faces, especially those involving large groups.
With right
upbringing introverted children build up self-confidence and learn to develop their
skills constructively. If pressured, overstimulated or dismissed, they can
suffer from depression or respiratory disorders.
The ideal of the
successful extrovert prevails in the Western world.
Extroverts are
considered more qualified and intelligent because of their sociability, also
they’re perceived as more interesting and cooperative. Extroverts are often
seen as being more physically attractive and nonchalant. The introverts, on the
other hand, are seen as pale, nondescript and awkward. Based on this way of
seeing things, extroversion is considered favourable for success in the Western
world.
This trend is
why professors at the Harvard Business School make it their mission to turn
every one of their students into an extrovert.
Japanese and
Korean universities show a completely different picture: average students there
prefer studying all day to bar-hopping with friends.
Flipping the switch:
introverts can also act like extroverts.
Time and time
again, every ambitious introvert ends up in situations where being extroverted
is a must. Even if they’re introverts, it doesn’t prevent them from switching
into extrovert mode. By reflecting upon themselves and others, they can learn
to adapt to various different situations, and to switch to extroversion when
required.
Companies should not create workplaces tailored only to
extroverts.
Many employers believe that their employees work best when their workplaces are tailored to the ideal of an extrovert. They, however, overlook one key difference: big groups may be behind great successes, but the actual work generally does not take place in meeting rooms. Rather, developers usually sit at home, alone, in front of their computer screens.
Modern workplaces make extroverts happy. However, companies risk their full potential if they ignore introverted employees.
The key is to provide both extroverts and introverts with a suitable environment, giving employees the chance to exchange ideas but also to withdraw and experience solitude.
A truly skilled leader can unite the talents of introverts and extroverts.
It can be argued
that, in a workplace, an extroverted leading style is ideal when the goal is to
complete simple tasks as quickly as possible. However, introverted leadership
qualities are imperative if team members want to get involved and contribute
their own ideas.
Extroverted leaders make quick decisions based on little information. Whereas, introverted leaders usually accumulate a lot of information before making a decision.
Each personality
type has skills the other can profit from. Both temperaments can maximize their
performance through cooperation. Interactions between introverts and extroverts
often lead to misunderstandings. During conflicts, extroverts tend to grow
aggressive, overwhelming introverts. Introvert retreats from an open conflict
because of its unpleasantness – which the extrovert often interprets as a lack
of interest.
It need not be
extroverts vs. introverts. Both temperaments can complement each other. Every once
in a while, extroverts also prefer deep conversations, and introverts can be
inspired by the liveliness of extroverts. They can work together to achieve
great goals if they try to open up and understand each other’s perspective.
Ruchika Verma
You can purchase this wonderful book from Amazon
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