The Bias Toward Extraversion
In our modern Western society, fast-paced, hard-charging, spill your guts kind of world, extraverts rule. By extraverts I mean those who fit the popular definition of outgoing, gregarious, talkative, group-oriented folks as well as the Jungian temperament concept of those who are energized by being around others. This was not the case in the 19th century and is not so common in the Eastern cultures. But if you stop to consider that one-third or more of us are actually not extraverted–we are introverts–then you can begin to wonder why introverts are apparently under-valued. Introverts (and ambiverts–those who are midway between introversion and extraversion) can bring the power of quiet, self-reflection, and creative thinking to enhance our lives and our work world.
1/3 of us are quiet, introspective, reflective, creative & undervalued?[VIDEO] Susan Cain: The power of introverts on.ted.com/ATVO #TED
— Sally Anne Dishong (@CYL4G_sallyanne) March 5, 2012
Susan Cain is the author of Quiet. When I heard her TEDTalk, I wanted to jump up and down and shout “Hallelujah!”…but being an introvert I only did that in my mind. However, I do want to spread the word about this “nutritional deficiency” in our work and home environments. We’re missing out on some of the key food groups to feed our souls and our creativity.
As Susan Cain so aptly points out in her TEDTalk video, there are some valuable benefits from encouraging and including the introverts in our lives to participate in their own way:
- We can avoid some of the “group think” that happens when we make decisions or brainstorm in a group. In those situations it’s often the one who is the most assertive or persuasive speaker whose ideas are selected, when in fact, they may not be the best. We can enhance our decision-making with creative ideas that are gained with individual thinking before we come together for collaboration.
- We can help introverts be more productive by having more privacy and quiet in our workplaces. The trend toward open offices and chatty, noisy workspaces is distracting and uncomfortable for introverts.
3 Calls to Action for Including Introversion
- Stop the madness for all this group work! Allow and respect individual work and input.
- Go to the “wilderness” from time to time and have some personal revelations.
- Take a good look at your “suitcase” –is it filled with champagne glasses and sky-diving equipment? Or is it filled with books? Share your thoughts occasionally, if you’re a book-keeper.
Here’s a brief interview with the author:
If you’re interested in learning more about the power of introversion, you can get Susan Cain’s new book, Quiet, for your Kindle!
My sense is this new wave of appreciation for introversion is in alignment with the transition that is underway for humanity as we evolve to the next level of our spiritual development. Introversion, introspection, quiet and creativity will begin to be more and more sought after in the coming days, months and years. So if you’re an introvert, you’re well-positioned. If you’re an extravert, you might want to dust off your library card and make a reservation at the Wilderness Inn for a weekend retreat.
I’d love to hear from you about how you experience introverts and extraverts to continue the conversation. Please leave me a comment below.
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