The Power of Extroverts

Time to read: 1.46 minutes (the same as the Introverts!)

Last week, this mini-series talked about the power of introverts. If you missed it, you can find it here.

The power of Extroverts is also profound. They can work a room and influence others. They bring life and energy. You often know what they are thinking…every single thought..

When you think of successful leaders, you often think of extroverts…the person who owns the stage, can spend all night working a room full of people, and the person who can talk to anyone. (Recall the first in this mini-series said that 70% of CEOs identify as Introverts).

Extroverts are all about the people. Goodness, I love people!

Superpowers of extroverts:

  • Fast thinking
  • Easy communication
  • Charming
  • Open
  • Form fast connections

If introverts get crushed, extroverts often hear messages like, "You are too much/too loud/too talkative." "You need to slow down/be quieter/stop squirming." It's demoralizing to feel like you can't show up as yourself.

If you are an extrovert, let it out Do your thing. Don't worry that you are "too much." You have a right to be naturally you. Be transparent about your needs. Sounds like this, "Hey kids, I am going to stay after the concert to socialize. If you want to head home earlier, then we should drive two cars." Also, be mindful of the needs of others. Slow down and give the introverts space but don't subsume your own needs while trying to accommodate others.

If you are an introvert, let the extroverts in your life fly. Let them socialize and talk and process. If you find them exhausting, give yourself space without dampening their spirit. Extroverts need a good listener and often that person is YOU. (See the note from my fridge above. Great advice for honoring Extroverts.)

Next week, I'm going to talk about how Introverts and Extroverts can best work together Then I'll answer all your questions!

 

I'm Embarrassed To Admit This…

Time to read: 53 seconds

In my new side hustle (The Vintage Concierge), a designer asked me to put together a stack of silver plate trays for a dining room. Found these! Has zero to do with today's content. :-)

A reader asked me to talk about how to develop efficient and effective working relationships between introverts and extroverts. This topic is going to take a few weeks so keep reading!

First let me say I am uniquely qualified to talk about this subject. I am an uber-extrovert married to and parenting uber-introverts. 40 years ago, when I was young and stupid, I thought introversion was a problem to fix. "Talk more!" "Get out there!" I'm embarrassed to admit my ignorance.

My ignorance is reflected in what is often called our society's "Extrovert Ideal." Meaning, the preference in our fast-paced workplaces for the quick thinking, fast and constant talking, go-go-go style of extroverts. (The best book on the power of Introverts is Susan Cain's, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking. If you are an Extrovert, get this book. You need the education. If you are an Introvert, this book will be the most validating thing you've ever read.)

Then my daughter was born, and I witnessed her silent power and magnetic personality. Kids and adults were drawn to her. When she spoke, the room listened.

In my daughter's education and then later in coaching MBA students at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, I saw how introverts are pushed to become something they are not (talkative). I also saw how introvert power is different from extrovert power and necessary to the success of our organizations and communities. Workplaces, schools, and families must create space for introverts to be introverts. Otherwise, we are robbing ourselves of powerful contributions.

Fun fact: Did you know that about 70% of corporate CEOs describe themselves as introverts? (Read Susan Cain's book)

Surprised? Next week, I'll talk about the benefits and detriments of Introversion. Then the following week, the benefits and detriments of Extroversion. In the fourth week, I'll share how to effectively work together.

This is a deep topic. Thank you, dear reader, for suggesting it!